Temporary Administrative Assistant, Senior- R.F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Cornell UniversityAbout the role
Who We Are
Building on our 150-plus-year legacy as one of the nation’s preeminent engineering colleges, the Cornell David A. Duffield College of Engineering is a purpose-driven, inclusive community committed to developing the knowledge, capabilities, and people needed to forge a better future. Comprising more than 10 schools and departments, we are rooted in Ithaca, New York, with a growing presence in New York City and a global network of alumni and collaborators. Guided by our core values, our faculty and staff regularly engage across disciplines and intentionally bring together a range of perspectives as they lead and support ambitious efforts to tackle societal challenges, develop the next generation of leaders, and make a meaningful difference in the world.
The Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering has a long and distinguished history of educating leaders across industry and academia. Graduates go on to make significant impacts in the chemical, pharmaceutical, biomedical, biotechnology, energy, and related industries. The School’s research and educational mission is guided by a focus on understanding complex biological and chemical systems across molecular, cellular, and organismal levels.
The Opportunity:
The Temporary Administrative Assistant-Senior will provide central administrative support for the Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Cornell University, serving faculty, staff, students, and visitors. Reporting to the Assistant to the Directors, this role supports the daily operations of the main office reception area, ensuring smooth front office workflow and a high level of service to the departmental community. The position oversees 3–5 student workers supporting front office operations and is responsible for coordinating daily administrative functions and priorities.
In addition, this position provides complex administrative support to faculty across a range of academic and service activities. The incumbent works independently, exercises sound judgment in prioritizing competing demands and ensures accuracy and quality across all tasks. The role requires strong organizational skills, discretion in handling sensitive information, and the ability to proactively identify needs and support efficient departmental operations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Main Office Coordination:
Maintain a welcoming and professional main office environment, greeting and assisting faculty, staff, students, and visitors and providing general departmental information.
Oversee 3–5 student workers supporting front office operations, including assigning work, coordinating schedules, providing training, and reviewing and approving timesheets and assigning work as appropriate.
Provide front-line support for office operations, including answering and redirecting phone calls, responding to inquiries, booking conference rooms, coordinating basic technology troubleshooting, and managing equipment sign-outs
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