Temporary Senior Administrative Assistant

Cornell University • Ithaca, NY

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The Department of Communication is a national leader in the study of communication as a social science. This role will provide a full range of high-level support for the Department Chair, including managing the Chair's complex calendar, coordinating meeting logistics, drafting correspondence, monitoring inquiries, and maintaining departmental records. Additionally, the position will assist with academic personnel activities such as faculty reappointments and promotions, potentially support faculty search activities, prepare materials for departmental reports, and coordinate departmental events. The role also involves supporting advisory board and stakeholder engagement and working collaboratively with administrative staff to ensure uninterrupted service. Some evening and/or weekend hours may be required to support department events.

Requirements

• Associate degree and at least 3 years of increasingly responsible administrative experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience providing administrative support in a fast-paced office environment.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proven ability to maintain a professional atmosphere in a busy office environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently with minimal supervision as well as working as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Strong customer service skills and the ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Experience providing executive-level administrative support.
• Experience working in higher education or a university setting.
• Familiarity with Cornell administrative systems and procedures.
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, Academic Jobs Online, Interfolio, Smartsheet, Qualtrics, and Acrobat.
• Experience coordinating meetings, events, and academic personnel processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Chair’s complex calendar, scheduling meetings, appointments, and events.
• Coordinate meeting logistics, prepare agendas, compile materials, and record meeting minutes.
• Draft and prepare correspondence, reports, and other documents on behalf of the Chair.
• Monitor and respond to routine inquiries, serving as a primary point of contact for faculty, staff, students, visitors, and university partners.
• Maintain departmental records and confidential files while exercising sound judgment and discretion.
• Assist with coordination of faculty reappointments, promotions, and other academic personnel activities.
• May assist with faculty search activities, including coordinating candidate interviews, assisting with travel and lodging arrangements, scheduling meetings and presentations, managing visits, and arranging reimbursements.
• Prepare and assemble materials for departmental reports and administrative processes.
• Coordinate departmental events, meetings, and special projects as assigned.
• Support advisory board and stakeholder engagement activities, including meeting coordination and communications.
• Work collaboratively with department administrative staff to ensure uninterrupted service and support for departmental operations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support departmental priorities during the appointment period.

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-year Winter Break from December 25 - January 1.
• Two additional floating holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree