Front Desk Assistant - Department of Performing and Media Arts

About The Department of Performing and Media Arts

The Department of Performing and Media Arts engages students from various disciplines in exploring creative expression through live and mediated forms. It encourages critical and historical thinking about the world while students analyze the impact of image, sound, gesture, and movement. The program aims to develop both artistic and academic voices.

For more information about The Department of Performing and Media Arts, please click here.

The Opportunity

The Front Desk Assistant serves as the initial point of contact for the Department of Performing and Media Arts, creating a welcoming atmosphere. They provide a variety of services to students, faculty, staff, and visitors at the Schwartz Center. Their role is crucial in facilitating communication and ensuring a positive experience for all.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Transaction Support

• Assist with travel reimbursements, I Want Docs, and E-Shop under HR & Finance oversight.
• Explain financial procedures to faculty, staff, and students.
• Manage and reconcile petty cash.

Office Management

• Answer phone and in-person inquiries, directing questions to appropriate faculty and staff when necessary.
• Oversee office machines and distribute mail.
• Order office supplies.
• Maintain databases

Coordinate Room Reservations

• Manage bookings for student rehearsals, classes, staff, and production meetings.
• Handle space grants and generate Letters of Agreement.
• Support Department calendars and 25Live reservations

Event Coordination Support

• Assist with academic department events such as colloquia, symposia, conferences, and commencements.
• Arrange travel and housing for special guests.

Provide Information and Tours

• Greet visitors to the Schwartz center
• Offer information to prospective students and alumni.
• Conduct tours of the Schwartz Center.

Box Office and House Management, Facilities

• Provide backup support as needed.

Communications Support

• Assist with social media posting.

What We Need

A resume and cover letter are required for further consideration.

• Formal training beyond a high school diploma (6 months to 1 year).
• More than 2 years and less than 4 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Highly organized with clear communication skills.
• Computer skills including Excel and with the ability to quickly learn other financial systems.
• Basic knowledge of accounting and administrative systems.
• Ability to cultivate inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Proven analytical skills and independent problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work quickly, effectively under pressure, and use judgment in urgent or confidential tasks.
• Balance conflicting priorities.
• Must be able to work occasional evenings and weekends for special events, including department commencement and Box Office backup.

This is a full-time (39 hours/week) endowed position that is based in Ithaca, NY and fully on-site. Work hours are 8am-4:30pm Monday through Friday. Must be able to work occasional evenings & weekends for special events including department commencement ceremony and backup to the Box Office.

Rewards and Benefits

• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.
• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: https://hr.cornell.edu/benefits-pay.
• Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: https://hr.cornell.edu/jobs/your-total-rewards.
• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December