Director’s Assistant, Biomedical Engineering

About Cornell Engineering 

Cornell Engineering boasts a rich history marked by distinction and innovation. Its roots trace back to the university's founding, with departments like mechanical engineering and civil engineering. In 1889, it pioneered the first electrical engineering department in the nation and awarded the first doctorates in electrical and industrial engineering. Today, Cornell Engineering remains at the forefront of groundbreaking technologies and solutions through interdisciplinary collaboration. The college is renowned globally for its research, teaching, and commitment to diversity.  

With over 3,200 undergraduates, 2,100 graduate students, and 46,600 alumni worldwide, Cornell Engineering nurtures a diverse and talented student body. Its 200+ dedicated faculty members, spanning 10 departments and locations in Ithaca and New York City, work tirelessly to make a positive impact on the world. Engineering is home to 200 staff with 500 employees who serve in support of the college’s mission. The College of Engineering upholds EPICC values – Excellence, Purpose, Innovation, Community, and Collaboration – in all its endeavors.  

The primary mission of Cornell University’s Biomedical Engineering department is to educate students to understand the human body as an integrated system through quantitative engineering analysis and to use that understanding to design better therapeutic strategies, devices, and diagnostics. A mission of nearly equal importance is to serve society by conducting research that develops quantitative linkages across scales in the human body and uses that development to build new tools to improve human health.  

Enrollment representatives within Cornell’s colleges, schools, and units regularly collaborate and partner with the Enrollment Division to accomplish the University’s enrollment goals.    

Learn more about Cornell Engineering here: Cornell Engineering | Cornell Engineering 

The Opportunity

Are you an organized, proactive, and resourceful professional looking to support top-tier leadership in a dynamic academic environment? The Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University is seeking a dedicated Director's Assistant to provide executive-level administrative support to the Director and Director of Administration. This role is pivotal in ensuring the smooth operation of our department, facilitating communication, and managing key administrative tasks.

Key Responsibilities:

Administrative Support

• Manage communication and correspondence for the Director and Director of Administration, ensuring discretion and confidentiality.
• Draft complex and sensitive correspondence, including faculty offers, promotion letters, and award nominations.
• Assist with academic personnel processes such as faculty searches, promotion, and tenure reviews.
• Research, compile, and prepare materials for meetings, reports, and presentations.
• Coordinate special projects and create/manage complex spreadsheets and databases for tracking and reporting key metrics.
• Serve as a liaison between the Director and interdisciplinary faculty on academic and research matters.
• Maintain the Director’s calendar, prepare for deadlines and events, and oversee departmental events.
• Make travel arrangements and facilitate reimbursement requests.

Academic Recruitment and Onboarding Support

• Drive the faculty recruitment process, providing guidance on policies and procedures.
• Manage job postings, applicant communications, and search committee coordination.
• Organize faculty candidate visits, including travel and meeting arrangements.
• Support faculty relocation and oversee reimbursement of relocation expenses.
• Coordinate faculty tenure and promotion reviews, including dossier preparation.
• Manage sabbatical leave requests and tracking.

Department, Administrative, and Financial Responsibilities

• Prepare drafts of the department’s annual report and distribute materials to stakeholders.
• Generate statistical reports for strategic planning and maintain databases of faculty activities.
• Coordinate school-sponsored conferences, events, and meetings.
• Manage financial aspects, including budget stewardship and expenditures.

Communications, Design Content & Media Support Responsibilities

• Promote department events and update the school website and social media.
• Create content for electronic displays and assist with design layouts for various publications.

Projects/Other Duties

• Coordinate hiring and scheduling of student administrative employees.
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