Graduate Field Coordinator-School of Applied & Engineering Physics

Graduate Field Coordinator-School of Applied & Engineering Physics

About the School of Applied & Engineering Physics

The School of Applied & Engineering Physics (AEP) is a School in Cornell University’s College of Engineering. The mission of the School of Applied and Engineering Physics is to create and disseminate knowledge in intellectual areas at the interface between physics and traditional engineering or scientific disciplines, using the techniques, skills and principles commonly associated with physics.

The Opportunity

The School of Applied & Engineering Physics (AEP) is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Graduate Field Coordinator to join our team. This pivotal role supports the success and well-being of our PhD and MS graduate students and acts as a key point of contact for prospective and current students. As the public face of the school, you will collaborate with faculty leadership to administer our graduate programs, ensuring seamless operations related to recruitment, enrollment, student support, and program development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Student Support: Provide exceptional support to AEP’s graduate students, addressing their needs with a high degree of skill and sensitivity.

• Program Coordination: Independently plan and execute program events, activities, and communications for both new and current students. This includes organizing welcome and orientation events, disseminating information about registration, employment, research opportunities, and coordinating graduation events in partnership with the Undergraduate/M.Eng Coordinator.

• Recruitment and Admissions: Collaboratively coordinate all aspects of the graduate field recruitment, admissions, and enrollment processes, working closely with the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) and the Director of MS programs.

• Student Progress and Support: Assist with monitoring student progress, verifying degree requirements, and addressing concerns. Act as a first point of contact for students of concern, providing guidance and referrals as needed.

• Administrative Support: Support activities related to the graduate fields, including faculty field membership nominations, implementation of new academic programs, and advising on graduate policy and practice.

• Recruitment Strategy: Partner with the DGS to develop and implement the school’s annual recruiting plan and strategy.

• One-on-One Advising: Provide individualized advising to students, offering guidance and support to ensure their success. Refer students to counseling services when appropriate.

• Communication and Promotion: Collaborate with the school/college communication team to develop materials that advertise the graduate programs and clarify requirements and opportunities.

This is part-time, benefits eligible (30 hours/week) endowed position that is based in Ithaca, NY and fully on-site. After a period of orientation and training, this position will allow for remote work opportunities during non-peak times (i.e., summer, winter break). This remote work arrangement is subject to change at any time. Work hours are flexible but will be mutually agreed upon. This position will be required to work during commencement weekend (May), PhD Open House weekend (typically March) and potentially other School student events that may be scheduled during off business hours

What We Need

We are looking for a team member who is collaborative, self-motivated, and a strategic thinker. Additionally, you will: 

• Hold an Associate’s Degree and 4 to 6 years related experience or the equivalent combination.

• Have experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing, including: experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds and an ability to serve as an advocate for individuals of all ethnicities, genders, ages, and backgrounds.

• Utilize excellent customer service skills

• Work effectively in an environment with frequent interruptions

• Have strong organizational skills, ability to follow up, track multi-step decision-making, and bring processes to completion

• Be proactive and independent while working closely in a team environment that has role distinctions

• Utilize effective communication skills, ability to be clear and concise

• Actively listen, be patient, and remain calm in highly sensitive situations, i.e., attending to a student of concern

• Use sound judgement when referring students to other services

• Have impeccable integrity with a clear sense of ethics, fairness, discretion, and personal responsibility

• Read and comprehend p