Executive Assistant to the Director of Athletics and Physical Education

living, food services, sports, recreation, career services, and student activities and organizations, including sorority and fraternity life. We provide support and services to roughly 25,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students on multiple campuses in the U.S. and abroad. Cornell University is an NCAA Division I institution and a member of the Ivy League. The university fields teams in 37 intercollegiate sports and provides a comprehensive physical education program. The university is committed to excellence in academics and athletics, gender equity and diversity in its programs, and a well-balanced, broad-based intercollegiate athletics program. Athletics and Physical Education offers a robust program of physical and outdoor education, recreational services, intramural sports and intercollegiate athletics competition, plus wellness programs for faculty and staff, and fitness centers for the entire Cornell community. The Opportunity The Department of Athletics and Physical Education is seeking a highly organized, proactive Executive Assistant to the Director of Athletics and Physical Education with excellent interpersonal and communication skills. This is a unique opportunity to serve as a trusted partner to a senior leader, playing a critical role in advancing the mission of one of the university's most visible and impactful departments. In this role, you will provide strategic administrative and operational support to the Director of Athletics and Physical Education, serving as the first point of contact for the Athletics Director's Office and setting the tone for every interaction. You will engage with university leaders, faculty, staff, coaches, student-athletes, alumni, parents, supporters, and external partners, helping to foster strong relationships and ensuring exceptional service across every interaction. This position is ideal for a professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys coordinating complex priorities, exercises sound judgment, and takes pride in delivering exceptional support with discretion, professionalism, and attention to detail. What You'll Do Executive Support & Project Coordination: Coordinate a complex and evolving calendar, balancing competing priorities while anticipating needs and identifying opportunities to maximize efficiency. Coordinate domestic and international travel arrangements, itineraries, expense reconciliation, and reimbursements. Prepare meeting agendas, briefing materials, presentations, and follow-up communications. Take on special projects, timelines, and action items, ensuring key initiatives move forward effectively. Coordinate meetings, events, and department-wide engagements. Serve as a trusted advisor and resource, helping the Director remain focused on strategic priorities. Communications & Reporting: Monitor and manage a high-volume email inbox. Draft and edit correspondence, reports, memoranda, presentations, and announcements. Respond to routine and complex inquiries on behalf of the Director. Support the preparation of reports, research projects, analyses, and presentations involving confidential or sensitive information. Collaborate with stakeholders across the university to gather information and ensure timely follow-up. Office Operations & Relationship Management: Serve as the first point of contact for visitors, guests, and stakeholders. Respond to inquiries with professionalism, discretion, and exceptional customer service. Facilitate communication among university leadership, faculty, staff, coaches, student-athletes, alumni, and supporters. Coordinate office operations, supplies, purchasing, reimbursements, and related administrative functions. Research and resolve issues by leveraging resources across the university. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact at the heart of a highly visible organization. As a key member of the Athletics Director's Office, you will contribute to initiatives that support student-athletes, students, coaches, staff, and the broader university and Ithaca communities while working closely with institutional leaders and stakeholders. If you are a resourceful professional who enjoys building relationships, solving problems, navigating complexity, and helping leaders succeed, we encourage you to apply with your resume and cover letter. What We Need A cover letter and resume are required for consideration, outlining your interest and how your experience and goals align with the potential for mutual success in the role. An associate's degree and a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in a fast-paced administrative setting, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Exceptional organizational and judgment skills, and experience maintaining strict confidentiality. A self-starter attitude, the ability to proactively identify and effectively address challenges, , and a demonstrated track record of independently driving projects forward. Ability to work under pressure, focus and prioritize when dealing with several issues at one time, and support and take direction from multiple individuals. Proficiency with the Google Suite of office software, including Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms, with the ability to assist coworkers in the use of these programs. Proficiency with Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, with the ability to assist coworkers in the use of these programs. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and strong writing and editing skills. Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing. Ability to build strong, inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members. It Would Be a Bonus if You Have Any of the Following Bachelor's Degree Executive level support experience Knowledge of Cornell processes and procedures Prior experience working in a college athletics department Supervisory experience Important Notes About Applying To be considered, please include a cover letter and resume that outline your relevant experience and why you're a strong fit for this position. This position is fully onsite on Cornell's main campus, located in Ithaca, NY. There is no relocation assistance available for this position. There is no visa sponsorship available for this position. Rewards and Benefits Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Relocation assistance is not available for this position. University Job Title: Exec Staff Asst II Job Family: Administration Level: E Pay Rate Type: Salary Pay Range: $69,653.00 - $80,948.00 Remote Option Availability: Onsite Company: Endowed Contact Name: Brad Stock Contact Email: bs223@cornell.edu Job Titles and Pay Ranges: Non-Union Positions Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria: Prior relevant work or industry experience Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position Unique applicable skills Academic Discipline Union Positions Current Employees: Online Submission Guidelines : Employment Assistance: Notice to Applicants: EEO Statement: Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 2026-09-21