Communications Administrative Assistant

About the College, School, or Department

The Office of the Vice President for Research & Innovation (OVPRI) creates an environment that unifies and advances Cornell’s scholarship, research, and discovery through state-of-the-art core facilities, domain expertise, and partnership to enable innovation and impact. We leverage external funding and partnerships, enable interdisciplinary research, and ensure regulatory compliance. We collaborate to successfully translate and commercialize research through established and startup companies. We also provide administrative support for numerous interdisciplinary research centers, institutes, and laboratories. OVPRI is committed to the goal of inclusive excellence. Administrators, faculty, and staff are expected to contribute actively to fostering an academic workplace climate that is welcoming, supportive and creates a sense of belonging for all.

About Cornell University Communicators

Cornell communicators share a mission to enhance and preserve the university’s brand and reputation as a top research institution and a leader in higher education, and to support and promote critical programs that serve the university’s teaching, research, and public engagement mission.

Communication services are carried out through a matrixed organizational system in which University Relations houses the departments of News (Cornell Chronicle), Media Relations (pitching and servicing media requests), Brand (cornell.edu, multimedia production, brand management and governance), Strategic Communications (communications plans, key messaging, social media management), and Cornellians (digital alumni publication).

Communicators in colleges, schools, and units regularly collaborate with, and consult, University Relations departments. University Relations serves as a partner and resource for all college/unit communicators.

The overarching goals of Research & Innovation Communications align with OVPRI’s three areas of responsibility, serving all of Cornell to: reduce administrative friction, Raise the reputation and profile of Cornell’s research, and to increase the innovation impact of Cornell research outcomes and inventors.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Communications Administrative Assistant to join our team and contribute to our success. The Communications Administrative Assistant will report to the Executive Director and work closely with the Research & Innovation Communications Office and leadership. This role requires a proactive and organized individual who can provide high-level administrative support, manage complex inquiries, and assist with project tracking and communication efforts.

Key Responsibilities

Administrative and Operations Support:

• Provide high-level administrative support to the Executive Director, including scheduling complex, multi-party meetings, creating meeting materials, and handling confidential matters.
• Provide overarching administrative support to the R&I communications unit.
• Act as a primary contact for R&I Communications and respond to complex and non-routine inquiries.
• Process financial transactions and support unit budgeting and expense tracking.
• Assist in planning and drafting meeting minutes, compile and distribute materials, and manage office supplies.

Project Management:

• Track project plans, communicate goals, and resolve issues.
• Maintain project management tools and assist with day-to-day operations of the R&I Communications team.
• Support collaborative projects for the Executive Director and R&I Communications Clusters.
• Clearly communicate project scope, goals, and responsibilities to the team.

Communications Support:

• Assist with the creation and distribution of engaging materials, maintaining communications schedules, and coordinating events.
• Serve as a research resource and compile research and analytics to support reporting.
• Monitor social media platforms to foster community engagement and escalate concerns as needed.

Other Responsibilities:

• Participate in projects with occasional work responsibilities falling above or below current classification.

If you are an administrative professional with a knack for effective communication or formal experience in areas of communication, we encourage you to apply with your resume and cover letter. Be part of a collaborative and innovative team dedicated to advancing research and innovation. Join us in making a difference through research and innovation!

What We Need

All applications must include a resume and cover letter for full consideration.

• Associates degree and 2 to 4 years of rele