Project Associate
About The Position
The College of Engineering’s Office of Innovation is seeking a highly organized, proactive, and collaborative Project Associate to support the operational success of a fast-paced, high-impact team focused on innovation, corporate engagement, and student opportunity. In this pivotal role, the Project Associate serves as the operational backbone of the Office of Innovation, coordinating cross-functional projects, streamlining internal processes, and supporting strategic initiatives that advance external partnerships, inclusive talent development, and experiential learning opportunities for students. Working closely with the Senior Director, faculty collaborators, university partners, and external stakeholders, this position plays a key role in ensuring efficient operations, effective communication, and successful execution of major initiatives across the office.
Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree and 2–4 years of relevant professional experience in project coordination, office administration, higher education, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Proven organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing demands.
- Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy in managing data, budgets, and documentation.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including professional correspondence and internal reporting.
- Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative, customer-service orientation and ability to work effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Proficiency with office software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Teams, SharePoint) and familiarity with database or project management platforms.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience in a university, nonprofit, or mission-driven organization, especially in a project management or program coordination role.
- Familiarity with project tracking or workflow tools (e.g., Asana, Project) and/or CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce).
- Experience managing or assisting with event logistics, internal communications, or executive scheduling.
- Understanding of academic environments and the ability to navigate complex institutional structures and processes.
- Interest in or exposure to innovation, employer engagement, or student programming in higher education.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate and manage administrative operations, workflows, and project timelines across multiple initiatives.
- Support strategic planning, implementation, and tracking of office priorities and programs.
- Oversee scheduling, communications, budgeting support, and internal operational processes.
- Serve as a central point of coordination among internal teams, faculty, university offices, and external partners.
- Maintain and improve systems that support collaboration, efficiency, and organizational effectiveness.
- Assist with reporting, documentation, and project management activities.
- Support a collaborative, inclusive, and service-oriented team environment.
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
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
