Hybrid Administrative and Communications Assistant

About The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University is a leader in purpose-driven, interdisciplinary science and the university's second-largest college. It focuses on research, education, and outreach to address global challenges. CALS emphasizes understanding complex systems, promoting access to nutritious food and a healthy environment, and supporting local communities for a prosperous future. By integrating multiple scientific disciplines, the college tackles issues of relevance locally, nationally, and globally.

About Cornell's Food Systems & Global Change

Cornell's Food Systems & Global Change (FSGC) team, within the Department of Global Development, works to advance sustainable food systems that benefit both people and ecosystems. Their focus areas include sustainable agriculture, climate mitigation and adaptation, livestock systems, and promoting healthy, sustainable diets. The team provides research, analysis, and insights to inform decision-making at multiple levels. Through this work, FSGC supports global efforts to create more resilient and equitable food systems.

The Opportunity

This position is within Cornell's Department of Global Development, supporting Prof. Mario Herrero's Food Systems & Global Change team. The Administrative and Communications Assistant will assist Prof. Herrero and the team with administrative, organizational, and communications tasks. Responsibilities include managing day-to-day operations and supporting team projects. The role ensures smooth functioning and effective communication for the group.

This is a one-year term appointment, with renewal contingent upon continued funding, available work, and successful performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage Prof. Herrero's calendar, appointments, and scheduling needs.
• Track deliverables and deadlines, and help ensure timely responses to email inquiries.
• Arrange travel for faculty, staff, visitors, and collaborators.
• Process travel and other expenses in Concur.
• Coordinate meetings for Prof. Herrero and the FSGC team.
• Support core communications platforms, including LinkedIn and MailChimp. Help maintain the group's website.
• Develop visual materials, including PowerPoint presentations, when needed.
• Liaise with the Cornell Chronicle and CALS Marketing & Communications.
• Facilitate day-to-day communications and administrative activities for the team.
• Collaborate with research staff, Project Manager, Financial Representative, and other Cornell personnel including the finance and administration team in the Department of Global Development.
• Communicate professionally and diplomatically with internal and external stakeholders.
• Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Support donor-funded projects and engage with a global network of collaborators and stakeholders.

What We Need

A resume and cover letter are required for further consideration.

• High School Diploma with 2-4 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and coordinate complex itineraries and scheduling requests.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities successfully.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Strong organizational, planning, and detail-oriented skills.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively at all levels in a proactive, customer-service environment.
• Effective time management and attention to detail, with the ability to understand and apply departmental, College, and University policies as needed.
• Ability to take ownership of tasks, meet deadlines, and complete projects efficiently.
• Flexibility and resilience when plans, priorities or itineraries change.
• Strong technology skills, including advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

If you have all those things, great! We have a few more things that we would prefer you to have, but it's ok if you don't.

• Experience supporting communications and familiarity with social media platforms, including LinkedIn and Mailchimp (preferred).
• Experience using Concur or similar travel management systems.
• Knowledge of Cornell University systems, policies, and procedures.
• Interest in Food Systems.
• Interest in collaborating with a global network of researchers, scientists, faculty, and other professionals.

This is a full-time (39 hours per week) endowed position located in Ithaca, NY, with the option of either being in person 5 days a week, or a hybrid schedule of 4 days on campus and 1 day remote. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with flexibility as needed. The final schedule will be established in coordination with the supervisor.

Rewards and Benefits

• This position is eligible for a limited hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role in the office 5 days a week, but the flexibility to be remote 1 day per week is available. The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time.
• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
• 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: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.
• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, 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. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell
• 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. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell
• Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell:Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.

Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance is not available for this position.

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