Coordinator, Research Development & Strategic Initiatives

Research Administration Coordinator — Band E

Office of Sponsored Programs & Research Development 

WHO WE ARE

Cornell University’s central Research Development (ReD) team promotes and facilitates research and innovation across the Ithaca campus, Cornell Tech, and Weill Cornell Medicine. Operating under both the Office of Sponsored Programs and the Office of the Vice Provost for Research, the team plays a crucial role in advancing Cornell’s research enterprise through strategic support and capacity building initiatives. 

Research Development provides comprehensive services to help researchers enhance their skills as effective communicators, grant writers, and research advocates. Our key directives include strategic research advancement, research development outreach, proposal development services, limited submissions coordination and honorific awards promotion. 

The Office of the Vice Provost for Research drives institutional research strategy and oversees major initiatives that advance Cornell’s research mission. This includes managing the Future of American Agriculture Initiative, a $30 million program intended to expand agricultural development and productivity nationwide, led by the Director of Strategic Initiatives, who coordinates implementation and ensures alignment with Cornell’s broader research goals.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Coordinator for Research Development and Strategic Initiatives will advance research excellence by facilitating programs that foster research innovation and recognize achievement across the University. Responsibilities of this newly created role include coordinating aspects of internal seed funding programs, supporting a university-wide honorific awards and prizes process, and general administrative assistance. This position will have a dotted line reporting relationship to the Director of Strategic Initiatives.

Through effective organization, clear communication, and collaborative engagement, the coordinator will ensure these initiatives run smoothly, enabling faculty success and strengthening the institution’s research enterprise. The position will help implement and communicate standard procedures and expectations related to funding submissions, ensure compliance with program requirements, administer internal peer reviews, and communicate funding decisions along with special projects as assigned. 

WHAT WE NEED

• Associate’s degree with 2–4 years of financial and/or administrative experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Demonstrated attention to detail and excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Demonstrated knowledge of and proficiency with modern office methods and procedures (including electronic filing techniques, telephone etiquette, and professional writing/email communication).

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a part of a team in a professional office environment, working on multiple projects simultaneously.

• High level of proficiency with Excel, Adobe Acrobat, MSWord, and Outlook.

• Familiarity with database management and/or financial management tools.

• Ability to handle confidential information and materials appropriately.

• Experience interacting and building relationships with high-level clientele, faculty, visitors, and organizational leaders.

• Ability to be flexible, adaptable, and comfortable working and contributing to an environment where change in process/procedures is the norm while maintaining a positive and productive demeanor.

• Willing and able to enhance personal knowledge, skills, and abilities to grow and excel in the field of research administration.

• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

WHAT WE PREFER

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Experience in academic or research environments.

• Familiarity with internal funding or grant programs.

• Experience with project management tools.

REWARDS AND BENEFITS

Competitive compensation, generous time-off, and great benefits. This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement.

For more information on Cornell’s benefits, visit hr.cornell.edu/benefits.

   

University Job Title:

Research Administration Coordinator

   

Job Family:

Administration

   

Level:

E

   

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly