Graduate Field Administrator

Cornell University•Ithaca, MI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell is a leader in purpose-driven, interdisciplinary science focused on complex global systems, food security, environmental health, and community prosperity. Within CALS, the Department of Animal Science offers undergraduate and graduate programs centered on the biology and management of food, laboratory, and companion animals. The Graduate Field Administrator (GFA) for Animal Science supports 50–55 graduate students and about 30 faculty members under general supervision. The role serves as a central resource for students, faculty, and program directors while providing comprehensive support for graduate and professional degree programs. Responsibilities include managing admissions, recruitment, funding processes, data reporting, and student progress tracking. The position also coordinates with campus offices, contributes to outreach and website initiatives, and provides backup course coordination support.

Requirements

Associate’s degree plus 2–4 years of relevant work experience.
Ability to build inclusive, equitable relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Strong organizational, communication, multitasking, and interpersonal skills in fast-paced settings.
Ability to collaborate across college units and with varied constituents.
Sound judgment, creativity, analytical thinking, and problem-solving with confidential information.
Proven customer service experience and attention to detail with initiative.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively under pressure while balancing priorities.
Strong reasoning and innovation in resolving routine issues.
Ability to advocate for individuals from a broad range of backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience with systems used at Cornell University, including PeopleSoft, Workday, CollegeNET, Salesforce, Drupal, e-Shop, Canvas, and Qualtrics.

Responsibilities

Serve as a key resource for students, faculty, the Director of Graduate Studies, and the MPS Director.
Support graduate and professional programs (admissions, recruitment, orientation, and student records).
Collaborate with the Graduate Admissions Committee and manage funding processes (fellowships, assistantships, bursar credits).
Maintain and extract student data for field, college, and university reporting.
Liaise with the Graduate School, Bursar’s Office, Registrar’s Office, and International Services Office.
Track student progress and degree completion.
Assist with recruitment by developing promotional materials and maintaining prospective student relationships.
Contribute to website updates and outreach initiatives.
Provide backup course coordination support for ANSC to the Undergraduate Program Coordinator.

Benefits

comprehensive health care options
generous retirement contributions
access to wellness programs
employee discounts with local and national retail brands
health and personal leave
three weeks of vacation
13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1
two additional floating holidays
tuition-free Extramural Study
Employee Degree Program
tuition aid for external education
Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program
childcare and adoption assistance
parental leave
flexible work options