Director’s Assistant & Events Coordinator-Systems Engineering Program

Director’s Assistant & Events Coordinator-Systems Engineering Program

About the Systems Engineering Program

The Systems Engineering Program is a graduate degree program having strong ties with corporate and governmental entities. Cornell’s Systems Engineering program confers PhD, Master of Science and Master of Engineering which is uniquely available both as a traditional on-campus program and via distance learning to full-time employees who are in countries around the world. Systems Engineering recently launched a Professional Systems Engineering Certificate program meant for employees looking to continue their education as a non-matriculated student.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an organized and detail-oriented individual to fill the role of Director's Assistant & Events Coordinator. This position will provide essential support to both the Faculty Director and Administrative Director, ensuring the smooth operation of their offices and the successful coordination of all program events.

Key Responsibilities:

• Administrative Support: Manage the daily operations of the Director’s offices, including scheduling, communication, and organization.

• Event Coordination: Plan and execute various events for the Systems Engineering program, such as graduations, weekly seminars, student orientations, departmental alumni events, development activities, off-site recruiting events, faculty and staff retreats, and holiday celebrations. Responsibilities include travel arrangements, room scheduling, catering, invitations, and advertising.

• Supervision: Supervise program student workers and student lab managers including hiring, assigning daily tasks, prioritizing work, and approving timecards.

This is a full-time (39 hours/week) endowed position that is based in Ithaca, NY. This position will allow for the flexibility to follow a hybrid work schedule after a period of acclimation/training. This schedule will include working 1 day a week remotely during the semester and an option to work more days remote during off-semester timeframes. This hybrid work arrangement is subject to change at any time. Work hours are flexible but will be mutually agreed upon. There may be occasional evening and weekend work hours when events are scheduled.

What We Need

We are looking for a self-motivated team member that is a good communicator, can interact well with others, is a collaborator, has excellent time management skills, and comprehends the importance of confidentiality. Additionally, you will: 

• Hold an Associate’s degree and 2-4 years of experience in business administration; or equivalent combination of education and experience at the executive administrative level.

• Demonstrate experience in supervising staff in the delivery of excellent customer service to diverse constituencies.

• Have excellent communication (written and oral), planning, organizational, interpersonal, and customer service skills.

• Work independently under pressure, take initiative, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Possess a strong work ethic and be able to balance conflicting priorities and make decisions based on approaching deadlines.

• Have excellent judgment in dealing with wide variety of issues, often of a sensitive, confidential and complex nature.

• Demonstrate the ability to anticipate and diplomatically resolve issues.

• Have excellent computer skills, proficient using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), in addition to FileMaker and calendar management

• Be committed to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.

• Have a passion for working in an organization that values and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and wellbeing.

If you possess these experiences this may be the role for you! There are a few other qualifications that we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, to include: 

• Bachelor's Degree and additional executive level administrative experience, or equivalent combination; relevant work experience in an academic setting.

A cover letter and resume are required for further consideration for this position.

Rewards and Benefits

• This position is located in Ithaca, New York and will allow for the flexibility to follow a hybrid work schedule that will be mutually agreed upon. The New York Convenience of employer guidelines require New York State individual tax reporting and withholdings for this position. Additional individual state income tax filings may also be required if working temporarily outside New York State.