Temporary Van Driver, CAU

Cornell University welcomes candidates for the position of Temporary Experience Navigator (Van Driver) in our Alumni Affairs and Development division, based in Ithaca, NY. This role presents an exceptional opportunity to contribute to Cornell’s Adult University (CAU) 2 week summer program.

We are seeking candidates to fill multiple openings.

Position Summary

CAU Summer is an annual 2-week, on-campus, residential program offering faculty-led courses for the alumni, family, and friends audience. CAU Summer 2026 runs from July 6 – July 19. This position begins on June 29, 2026 before the program start date for training and prep work, and ends on July 22, 2026.  

The Temporary Experience Navigator (Van Driver) is more than just a van driver—they are the friendly, reliable, and safety-conscious guide ensuring CAU Summer participants travel smoothly and enjoyably to and from their daily activities. This role provides transportation for dorm residents to and from class and evening activities, as well as for participants to and from field trips, while ensuring that all logistics, safety measures, and comfort details are handled with care. Drivers are expected to be conversational yet professional, proactive in ensuring every ride is enjoyable, and vigilant in making sure no one is left behind.  

Key Responsibilities

Safe & Reliable Transport  

• Drive CAU participants to and from morning classes, field trips, and evening activities on campus.  

• Ensure only dorm residents board the campus shuttle and that all course participants receive field trip transport (both to and from the site).  

• Keep a watchful eye to confirm no participant is left behind at any location.  

Van Readiness & Comfort  

• Ensure vans are gassed up and well-maintained for daily use.  

• Confirm that all essential items are on board, including:  

  • Step stool for easy entry/exit

  •  Boxed lunches & refreshments when required for field trips  

  • Maps, schedules, or any required documentation for smooth navigation  

• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming van environment for all passengers.  

Guest Engagement & Atmosphere  

• Foster a pleasant and engaging ride experience by being friendly, conversational, and appropriate.  

• Offer basic guidance about CAU events or answer guest questions as needed.  

• Be attuned to passenger comfort, ensuring music/noise levels and climate settings accommodate guest preferences.  

Vigilance & Policy Compliance  

• Monitor passenger lists to ensure all required individuals are transported for field trips and return trips.  

• Adhere to CAU transport policies regarding eligibility for shuttle services.  

• Report any concerns, logistical issues, or unexpected changes to the CAU team.  

Driver Eligibility & Required Training  

• Hold a valid U.S. driver’s license and meet all requirements for operating a CAU program vehicle.  

• Complete mandatory van training in advance of the program, even if previously trained.  

• Follow all safety protocols, driving regulations, and program guidelines at all times.  

About Cornell’s Adult University

CAU (Cornell’s Adult University), Cornell Alumni Travel, Alumni Wine by Cornell Alumni Affairs are revenue-generating engagement programs that seek to drive increasingly meaningful engagement with the alumni, family, and friend audience, as well as to maximize revenue generation on behalf of Alumni Affairs and Development (AAD). In that, these programs have a meaningful impact related to AAD’s strategic vision and lead initiatives in support of the Cornell Alumni Engagement Strategic Plan. These programs also work toward the campaign engagement goal of engaging 200,000 unique alumni, and annual engagement goals of overall alumni engagement, number of volunteer and alumni donors, new, re-engaged and retained alumni. 

Required Qualifications

• Comprehensive training for each position will be provided. 

• Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license with a clean driving record

• Ability to advocate for individuals from a broad range of backgrounds. 

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

• Reliable, punctual, and safety-conscious—takes responsibility for ensuring seamless transport operations.  

• Personable and professional—engages guests in a welcoming and appropriate manner.