Careers

About the Department

Cornell's College of Engineering (COE) has a long and storied history of distinction, creativity and impact. The departments of mechanic arts (now mechanical engineering) and civil engineering date to the University's founding. The College established the nation's first electrical engineering department in 1889 and awarded the nation's first doctorates in both electrical and industrial engineering. Its legacy continues to this day, as Cornell Engineering brings together the best minds from across disciplines to invent disruptive technologies and discover novel solutions to complex and challenging problems. It is a global leader in research, teaching, and advancing diversity in the field. COE is also a key collaborator across the rich interdisciplinary landscape at Cornell University, playing a role in all of the university's Radical Collaborations to address society's most challenging problems. The college enrolls a diverse and talented student body that includes 3,200+ undergraduate students and 2100+ graduate students, and has over 46,600 living alumni around the globe. COE is home to a diverse, collaborative, talented and dedicated 200+ tenured and tenure-track faculty, plus research faculty and professors of practice who work each day to change the world. Faculty span 10 departments, schools and programs with a footprint in both Ithaca and New York City.

The Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) is one of the largest academic units within Cornell University and is home to the mechanical engineering (ME) B.S. degree program, as well as graduate programs in the fields of mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering (AE) and theoretical and applied mechanics (TAM). MAE's mission is to conduct visionary research in pursuit of the world's next great advances while providing a world-class education to tomorrow's leaders in the fields of mechanical and aerospace engineering.

The Opportunity

The Assistant to the Director will provide high level administrative assistance to the Director of the Sibley School (Director), the Director of Administration (DA), and Emeritus Faculty of Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. The Sibley School is top-ranked and technology forward in its approach, and has a broad range of impact in the areas of robotics, energy, healthcare, autonomous vehicles, and space crafts. This position is highly visible within the Sibley School and university, and offers a hybrid work arrangement, with four days expected on-site, and one day remote work.

The position exists to provide the most efficient written communication, document preparation and support system possible. This position routinely handles in-person, phone, written, and email inquiries from a diverse constituency directed to the School and/or the Director and DA. This includes non-standard, verbal and written communications, which will require proactive judgment and initiative. The successful candidate will show initiative by gaining a broad awareness of MAE and the University support offices for faculty needs.

You will Initiate and generate appropriate statistical reports needed for reporting, inquiries, and strategic planning. This role coordinates and guides the faculty search process, promotion, tenure review meetings, and sabbatical leaves as well as maintaining faculty and staff database and hard files, including all personnel actions. Proactively anticipates the needs of the Chair and DA to assist in carrying out various Department programs, reviews and activities. This position requires proactive judgment and the aptitude to work effectively with intricate and confidential issues.

You will act as communication liaison for the Chair/DA in assessing and resolving administrative issues, recording meeting minutes, compiling and preparing data for annual reporting, and updating & maintaining departmental communications, including the website. You will represent the department in daily interactions with faculty and students in the department, faculty and staff in other schools/departments and/or other institutions, as well as alumni, industrial contacts, government officials, news reporters and advisory council members. Provides administrative assistance for the Chair's research and teaching activities and makes arrangements for conference registrations and travel.

This position also provides administrative assistance for the DA, additional faculty members as needed, and departmental initiatives, public relations activities, and alumni communications. The successful candidate will participate as a member of the MAE administrative staff team including providing help for others, and short term back up coverage, as needed, to the School's main office reception area. You will Provide administrative assistance for the Director's research and teaching activities as needed, including editing manuscripts, editing proposals and papers, and making arrangements for conference registrations and travel.

What We Need:

• Associates Degree or equivalent experience, more than 4 years

• Demonstrated experience to handle intricate and confidential matters with discretion and confidentiality

• Must be a team-player with a positive attitude

• Aptitude to prioritize multiple projects and initiative to complete tasks under tight time frames

• Must have excellent organization and the propensity to work under pressure independently

• Strong writing, proofreading, communication, and organization techniques

• Excellent judgment and sound decision-making

• Must be an effective user of Word, Excel, FileMaker

What We Prefer:

• Bachelor's Degree and previous executive administrative experience.

• Knowledge of Cornell's policies and practices, particularly those that are academic human resource related

• Familiarity with Activity Insight, Drupal, and AP style writing

Rewards and Benefits

This position is located in Ithaca, New York. The position will allow for the flexibility to work remotely a one time per week at a location of employee's choosing within the United States. 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.

Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: https://hr.cornell.edu/benefits-pay.

Our leave provisions include three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1.

Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.

Starting Pay Range

$23.73 - $27.57

No Visa Sponsorship is available for this position.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work.