Executive Assistant, Office of the VP & Chief Global Information Officer (CEMI)

About Cornell Information Technology

Information Technology (IT) is a strategic enabler for many functions at Cornell University, with staff located across colleges, administrative units, and campuses throughout the institution. While comprised of many organizations, IT operates as one partnering closely with faculty, staff, and students to support teaching, research, and business operations. By being embedded where the Cornell community is, IT is well positioned to provide support ranging from day‑to‑day needs to large, complex initiatives that advance major academic, research, and operational objectives across the university. Check out this link to find out more about IT@Cornell.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly skilled, trusted, and proactive Executive Staff Assistant to provide exceptional administrative and operational support to the Vice President and Chief Global Information Officer (VP/CGIO). This is a high-impact role in a dynamic, highly visible environment, supporting executive-level leadership across two primary locations—Ithaca and New York City.

The Executive Staff Assistant plays a critical role in ensuring the VP/CGIO’s office operates with professionalism, efficiency, and excellence. The ideal candidate brings outstanding judgment, discretion, organizational savvy, and the confidence to navigate complex, confidential matters while building strong relationships across a diverse academic and professional community.

This role is well-suited for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, anticipates needs before they arise, and enjoys collaborating as part of a supportive administrative team.

This is a 3 year term appointment which may be ended or extended based on organizational needs, funding availability, and performance.

Occasional travel to New York City is required.

What You Will Do

Executive Administrative Support

• Serve as the primary point of contact and gatekeeper for the VP/CGIO, coordinating highly complex calendars that include executive meetings, conferences, and events across Ithaca and Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM).
• Prioritize access, schedule strategically, and assess when and how to interrupt meetings or redirect inquiries.
• Coordinate domestic travel and logistics, including occasional off-campus and New York City–based events.
• Prepare, edit, and distribute a wide range of confidential and business-critical documents, correspondence, agendas, and meeting materials.
• Anticipate needs by gathering background information from across functional areas and briefing the VP/CGIO on key issues in advance of meetings and presentations.
• Act as a liaison on sensitive matters, exercising discretion and sound judgment in determining appropriate responses and next steps.
• Navigate organizational and political dynamics with professionalism, fostering strong relationships across university units.

Projects, Events, and Operations

• Participate in and oversee administrative components of special projects led by the VP/CGIO, including tracking deliverables, timelines, and follow-ups.
• Independently research, compile, and analyze information from multiple sources; prepare reports, spreadsheets, recommendations, and documentation.
• Oversee logistics for specialized programs and events, including space reservations, technology support, participant communications, materials, and refreshments.
• Support financial and administrative transactions in partnership with the University Shared Services Center, including:
  • Travel reimbursements
  • Purchasing card (PCard) transactions
  • Membership renewals and supply orders
  • Submission of required internal documentation

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain organized, secure systems for document tracking, storage, and retrieval.
• Assess office processes and recommend improvements; implement and document best practices.
• Provide support for employment searches, including interview coordination, candidate travel logistics, and itinerary development.
• Ensure appropriate office coverage and provide backup support to other executive assist