Administrative Assistant to the Director and Executive Director, Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research (BCTR)

Are you a highly organized professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys being the person who keeps everything running smoothly?

Cornell University's Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research (BCTR) is seeking a proactive, relationship-focused Administrative Assistant to support the Center's Director and Executive Director while helping advance research, programs, and partnerships that improve the lives of children, youth, families, and communities. This is far more than a traditional administrative role. You will serve as a trusted partner who helps drive impactful work through coordination, communication, event planning, executive support, and operational excellence.

If you're energized by meaningful work, enjoy variety in your day, and love anticipating needs before they're even voiced, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Department

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research (BCTR), housed within Cornell Human Ecology, works to translate research into practical solutions that strengthen children, families, and communities. BCTR collaborates with faculty, students, practitioners, community organizations, and external partners to create meaningful impact through research, education, and public engagement. As the Center continues to grow and expand its visibility across Cornell and beyond, this position will play a key role in supporting that momentum.

What You’ll Do

As a member of the Centers & Institutes support team, you'll provide high-level administrative and operational support to BCTR leadership and help ensure the success of programs, events, initiatives, and daily operations. Responsibilities include:

- Managing complex calendars, scheduling, and travel for senior leadership.

- Preparing correspondence, presentations, reports, meeting materials, and briefing documents.

- Serving as a primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.

- Coordinating events, workshops, meetings, and community engagement activities.

- Supporting Qualtrics survey administration and reporting.

- Managing shared inboxes, distribution lists, and communications.

- Assisting with procurement, travel reimbursements, and administrative transactions.

- Maintaining website content and supporting newsletters and communications efforts.

- Collaborating with faculty, staff, students, donors, community partners, and external organizations.

What We Need

- Associate’s degree and 4-6 years of relevant or equivalent experience.

- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.

- Demonstrated ability to take initiative and simultaneously work on multiple projects with general supervision.

- Demonstrated ability to practice sound judgement and reasoning.

- Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).

- Strong attention to detail and ability to organize work and work processes.

- Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office Suite and Canva.

- Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

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

- Prior experience in a senior leadership support role.

- Graphic design experience.

- Event coordination experience.

Important Notes About Applying

- A resume and cover letter 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 based on-site in Ithaca, NY. Occasional flexibility may be available based on business needs, successful onboarding and operational requirements.

- Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

- Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Rewards and Benefits

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 (https://hr.cornell.edu/understand-your-benefits).

- 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 (https://hr.cornell.edu/about/employment-policy-practice/employment-policies/time-and-leaves/holiday-and-accrued-time)

- 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 (https://hr.cornell.edu/understand-your-benefits/education-benefits)

- Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: Total Rewards | Working at Cornell (https://jobs.hr.cornell.edu/us/en/total-rewards).

University Job Title:
Administrative Asst IV

Job Family:
Administration

Level:
D

Pay Rate Type:
Hourly

Pay Range:
$26.41 - $30.69

Remote Option Availability:
Onsite

Company:
Contract College

Contact Name:
Shallena Cunningham

Contact Email:
[email protected]

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

To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator .

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement . To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates .

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For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email [email protected] .

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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.

2026-09-08