Administrative Assistant, Brooks School - Centers & Institutes

About The Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy

The Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy harnesses the University’s broad disciplinary excellence in public policy, along with its innovative teaching, research, and engagement programs, to solve pressing global challenges. The school’s prestigious faculty apply an interdisciplinary and problem-oriented focus to wide-ranging public policy issues as they explore how government choices intersect with people’s lives. The school’s initial areas of focus are in data science and technology policy; environmental and sustainability policy; health policy; global security; inequality and social policy; the politics and economics of development; and race, racism, and public policy.

About The Brooks Tech Policy Institute & The Brooks Center on Global Democracy

The Brooks Tech Policy Institute (BTPI) is a research-focused initiative that addresses the intersection of emerging technologies and public policy. BTPI aims to advance thought leadership and foster an inclusive dialogue between scholars, policymakers, industry, and civil society. The Semiconductor Research Hub within BTPI focuses specifically on the role of semiconductor technologies in national security, economic resilience, and technological advancement, providing targeted research, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement on these critical issues.

The Brooks Center on Global Democracy tackles the fundamental questions facing democracies, serving as a hub for research and learning to strengthen democratic institutions. Through targeted research and public engagement, we aim to reverse democratic declines and bolster democracy worldwide.

The Opportunity

The Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Administrative Assistant to support its Centers & Institutes, including the Brooks Tech Policy Institute (BTPI) and the Center on Global Democracy (CGD). If you are highly organized, enjoy coordinating logistics, and thrive in a dynamic environment where research meets real-world impact, this role is for you!

As part of the Brooks Administrative Team, you will play a pivotal role in supporting faculty, planning high-profile conferences and events, engaging with stakeholders, coordinating travel and procurement, and ensuring smooth administrative operations. This is a great opportunity to support policy research and engagement efforts that bring together academics, industry leaders, and government officials to address pressing global issues.

What You Will Do:

Faculty & Academic Staff Support

• Provide administrative support to faculty and their staff for teaching, research, and engagement activities.
• Assist with travel and process reimbursements for faculty and visiting scholars.
• Facilitate purchases and payments, ensuring compliance with university policies.
• Assist in preparing research and instructional materials.

Event Planning & Conference Coordination

• Organize conferences and events both at Cornell and off-site.
• Coordinate all logistics, including invitations, travel, scheduling, catering, and event promotion.
• Ensure seamless participation from industry leaders, policymakers, and academics.
• Track and administer event budgets and resources efficiently within university policy.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Schedule meetings, prepare meeting materials, and book travel for external engagements.
• Support research outreach by coordinating communications and maintaining records.
• Assist in updating print and online materials, including websites and social media.

Administrative Team Support

• Provide back-up administrative support across Brooks Centers & Institutes as needed.
• Process transactions, assist with school-wide events, and complete special projects.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in university training and special projects as needed.
• Participate in projects with occasional work responsibility falling above or below current classification.
• Take on additional responsibilities as assigned that align with the evolving needs of the Centers & Institutes.

Success Factors:

• Organizational skills: You excel at juggling multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Attention to detail: You ensure accuracy in financial transactions, scheduling, and documentation.
• Collaboration: You are positive and work well with faculty, administrators, and external partners. You are open to feedback and able to incorporate it moving forward. 
• Proactive mindset: You anticipate needs, solve problems, and keep thing