Graduate Field Assistant
About The Position
The Graduate Field Assistant (GFA) is an administrative position that provides programmatic and student support services for the Animal Science graduate field and professional degree programs. Under general supervision, the GFA serves as the primary administrative resources for approximately 50–55 graduate students, about 30 faculty members. The role serves as a central resource for students, faculty, and program directors while providing comprehensive support for graduate and professional degree programs, from recruitment to degree completion. Responsibilities include managing admissions, recruitment, funding administration, student records management, student progress tracking and reporting. The position coordinates with campus offices, contributes to outreach and website initiatives, and provides backup administrative support for course coordination activities.
Requirements
- A resume and cover letter are required for further consideration.
- 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 the primary administrative resource for students, faculty, the Director of Graduate Studies, and the MPS Director.
- Support graduate and professional programs (admissions, recruitment, orientation, and student records).
- Coordinate with the Graduate Admissions Committee and manage funding processes (fellowships, assistantships, bursar credits).
- Maintain and extract student data for field, college, and university reporting.
- Serve as liaison with the Graduate School, Bursar’s Office, Registrar’s Office, and International Services Office.
- Track student progress through degree completion.
- Assist with recruitment by developing promotional materials and maintaining prospective student relationships.
- Contribute to website updates and outreach initiatives.
- Provide backup administrative support for ANSC course coordination activities in collaboration with 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 and Employee Degree Program
- Tuition aid for external education
- Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
