Section Head Assistant

Section Head Assistant

About The Ashley School of Global Development and the Environment

Leveraging research, teaching and extension to address many of the world's biggest challenges and creating a dynamic ecosystem for discovery and innovation that contributes to resilient, sustainable and equitable futures in New York State and around the world. The Ashley School is within The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS).

The Opportunity

The Ashley School of Global Development and the Environment is seeking a highly organized, proactive, and service-oriented Section Head Assistant to provide high-level administrative and academic support to one or more Section Heads. This role is central to the success of our academic mission and offers a unique opportunity to work closely with faculty, staff, students, and university partners in a collaborative, intellectually engaging environment.

What You Will Do

Administrative Support to Section Head(s):

• Serve as the primary administrative partner to the Section Head(s), managing calendars, appointments, travel, meetings, and correspondence.
• Act as a first point of contact for section-related inquiries, providing excellent customer service to faculty, staff, students, and visitors.
• Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Coordinate faculty tenure and promotion reviews, including researching, compiling, editing, and tracking materials and timelines.
• Support faculty searches by managing job advertisements, application materials (via Academic Jobs Online), and interview logistics.
• Prepare and maintain section communications, meeting agendas, and minutes as needed.
• Coordinate teleconferencing and meeting technology for faculty and section meetings.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues across departments, colleges, and university offices.

Academic Personnel Support:

• In collaboration with CALS Human Resources-
• Coordinate academic reappointment and review processes, communicating deadlines and requirements and ensuring timely, accurate submissions.
• Prepare and process academic personnel transactions related to reappointments, tenure reviews, sabbaticals, and appointment changes.
• Assist with academic visa processes for international faculty and employees, including new appointments and renewals (e.g., F-1, J-1, H-1B).
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource on college, university, and immigration policies, working closely with CALS HR and the Office of Global Learning to ensure compliance.

Section Administration:

• Provide backup support for main office reception and administrative functions as needed.
• Collaborate with Ashley School colleagues to standardize and improve administrative processes.
• Maintain and update contact lists, listservs, and emergency information for faculty and staff.

We are looking for someone who thrives in a dynamic setting, exercises excellent judgment, and brings both precision and flexibility to complex administrative work. If you enjoy supporting academic leadership, managing multiple priorities, and building strong professional relationships, we encourage you to apply with your resume and cover letter!

What We Need

A cover letter and resume outlining your interest and how your experience and goals align with the potential for mutual success in the role are required for consideration.

• Associate's degree and 2 to 4 years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with utmost discretion and integrity.
• Demonstrated record of successfully providing exceptional customer service
• Ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy with a wide range of internal and external constituents
• Experience that demonstrates sound judgment, creativity, and problem-solving skills
• Must be able to work independently while supporting the efforts of an overall team while fostering a respectful work environment
• Excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work quickly and effectively under pressure, use sound judgment in accomplishing tasks that are urgent
• Balance conflicting priorities, and make decisions from a wide range of choices
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills. Must be flexible and receptive to new ideas and approaches. Accuracy in spelling, grammar, proofreading and attention to detail required
• Must take initiative, meet challenges with resourcefulness and tact, have ability to work independently
• Proficient in Outlook, Microsoft Word, Excel, and open to learning new software as needed.
• Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.

It Would Be a Bonus if You Have Any of the Following

• Bachelor's degree is preferred.
• Must be able to enhance personal knowledge, skills, and abilities as needed.
• Prior experience in academic setting helpful and/or supporting academic program activities.
• Prior experience in event planning helpful.

Important Notes About Applying

• A cover letter and resume outlining your interest and how your experience and goals align with the potential for mutual success in the role are required for consideration.
• This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. For the first 30 days, the successful candidate will be expected to work fully on-site for onboarding and initial training. After that, employees typically perform this role on-campus 4 days per week and remotely 1 day per week.
• There is no relocation assistance available for this position.
• There is no visa sponsorship available for this position.

Rewards and Benefits

• This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. For the first 30 days, the successful candidate will be expected to work fully on-site for onboarding and initial training. After that, employees typically perform this role on-campus 4 days per week and remotely 1 day per week.
• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Relocation Assistance is not available for this position.

University Job Title: Administrative Asst IV

Job Family: Administration

Level: D

Pay Rate Type: Hourly

Pay Range: $26.41 - $30.69

Remote Option Availability: Hybrid

Company: Contract College