Section Head Assistant

Cornell University•Ithaca, MI

1d•$26 - $31•Hybrid

About The Position

Leveraging research, teaching and extension to address many of the world’s biggest challenges and creating a dynamic ecosystem for discovery and innovation that contributes to resilient, sustainable and equitable futures in New York State and around the world. The Ashley School is within The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). The Ashley School of Global Development and the Environment is seeking a highly organized, proactive, and service-oriented Section Head Assistant to provide high-level administrative and academic support to one or more Section Heads. This role is central to the success of our academic mission and offers a unique opportunity to work closely with faculty, staff, students, and university partners in a collaborative, intellectually engaging environment. We are looking for someone who thrives in a dynamic setting, exercises excellent judgment, and brings both precision and flexibility to complex administrative work. If you enjoy supporting academic leadership, managing multiple priorities, and building strong professional relationships, we encourage you to apply with your resume and cover letter!

Requirements

A cover letter and resume outlining your interest and how your experience and goals align with the potential for mutual success in the role are required for consideration.
Associate’s degree and 2 to 4 years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with utmost discretion and integrity.
Demonstrated record of successfully providing exceptional customer service
Ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy with a wide range of internal and external constituents
Experience that demonstrates sound judgment, creativity, and problem-solving skills
Must be able to work independently while supporting the efforts of an overall team while fostering a respectful work environment
Excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work quickly and effectively under pressure, use sound judgment in accomplishing tasks that are urgent
Balance conflicting priorities, and make decisions from a wide range of choices
Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills.
Must be flexible and receptive to new ideas and approaches.
Accuracy in spelling, grammar, proofreading and attention to detail required
Must take initiative, meet challenges with resourcefulness and tact, have ability to work independently
Proficient in Outlook, Microsoft Word, Excel, and open to learning new software as needed.
Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
Must be able to enhance personal knowledge, skills, and abilities as needed.
Prior experience in academic setting helpful and/or supporting academic program activities.
Prior experience in event planning helpful.

Responsibilities

Administrative Support to Section Head(s): Serve as the primary administrative partner to the Section Head(s), managing calendars, appointments, travel, meetings, and correspondence.
Act as a first point of contact for section-related inquiries, providing excellent customer service to faculty, staff, students, and visitors.
Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment.
Coordinate faculty tenure and promotion reviews, including researching, compiling, editing, and tracking materials and timelines.
Support faculty searches by managing job advertisements, application materials (via Academic Jobs Online), and interview logistics.
Prepare and maintain section communications, meeting agendas, and minutes as needed.
Coordinate teleconferencing and meeting technology for faculty and section meetings.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues across departments, colleges, and university offices.
Academic Personnel Support: In collaboration with CALS Human Resources- Coordinate academic reappointment and review processes, communicating deadlines and requirements and ensuring timely, accurate submissions.
Prepare and process academic personnel transactions related to reappointments, tenure reviews, sabbaticals, and appointment changes.
Assist with academic visa processes for international faculty and employees, including new appointments and renewals (e.g., F-1, J-1, H-1B).
Serve as a knowledgeable resource on college, university, and immigration policies, working closely with CALS HR and the Office of Global Learning to ensure compliance.
Section Administration: Provide backup support for main office reception and administrative functions as needed.
Collaborate with Ashley School colleagues to standardize and improve administrative processes.
Maintain and update contact lists, listservs, and emergency information for faculty and staff.

Benefits

This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement.
For the first 30 days, the successful candidate will be expected to work fully on-site for onboarding and initial training.
After that, employees typically perform this role on-campus 4 days per week and remotely 1 day per week.
Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands.
We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.
Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 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.
To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays.
Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell
Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.
Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell
Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell:Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.