Established in 2025, the Purpose Science and Innovation Exchange (PSiX), currently incubated in the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research, is built on the simple yet powerful premise that the science of purpose can drive human flourishing. This effort is committed to rigorous and pioneering research and fostering an innovative ecosystem that accelerates the translation of purpose insights into real-world solutions. Our partnership with the Purpose Commons, and others is united in a common mission: dedication to transformative advancements in the science of purpose. By conducting rigorous research on purpose in life and accelerating its translation to individuals, organizations, and communities, we strive to catalyze an ecosystem that generates knowledge and empowers flourishing through purposeful living. PSiX aspires to be the preeminent global hub for purpose research and transformative discovery. PSiX advances the field of purpose science through research, translation, and community partnership. This role and related efforts are funded in part by a competitive grant from the Bezos Family Foundation.
What You Will Do
PSiX Program Aide will provide support the PSiX Director, Managing Director, and other team members, to broadly support PSiX operations, including helping keep the Translational Fellowship in Purpose Science running smoothly. This role works directly under the PSiX Director and Managing Director, handling the recurring administrative tasks in a strategic, proactive, and team-oriented approach.
While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.
This is a one-year, fixed-term, in-person position based in Ithaca, NY on Cornell University’s campus. Annual renewal is possible contingent on available funding, work, and successful performance.
No visa sponsorship or relocation assistance are provided for this position. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in US without sponsorship. Employment will end upon the expiration of work authorization in the US. Continued employment in this position is subject to eligibility to work in accordance with US immigration laws.
To be considered for this position, applicants must submit the following materials online:
Resume/CV
Cover Letter – describing your relevant experience and how your qualifications align with the role.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Associate degree and up to 2 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination.
Some administrative, office, or program support experience is preferred.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Comfortable managing calendars, correspondence, and basic recordkeeping.
Proactive communicator who can work independently on recurring tasks.
Proficiency with standard office and scheduling software (e.g., MS Office/Google Workspace).
Interest in higher education, research administration, or purpose science is a plus.
Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities.
Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.
Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
PSiX Operating Support (45%)
Provide day-to-day administrative support to the Director, Managing Director, and others: scheduling, correspondence, meeting prep, and follow-up.
Assist with logistics for in-person convenings and virtual sessions (calendar invites, room/tech setup, materials distribution, RSVP tracking).
Support travel and procurement, and the processing of agreements, stipends, honoraria, and travel reimbursements, and help the Director track expenses against the budgets.
Assist with maintenance and updating websites and digital presences, as requested.
Support PSiX Faculty Fellows Program (50%)
Maintain fellowship records — applications, offer letters, acceptance paperwork, rosters, and cohort files.
Support processing of stipends, honoraria, and travel reimbursements, and help the Coordinator track expenses against the grant budget.
Keep the Coordinator's task list and fellowship calendar organized, and flag upcoming deadlines proactively.
Help administer fellow surveys and organize feedback for the Coordinator's review.
Schedule, support, and manage key virtual or in person meetings related to the Fellowship.
Support communications, promotions, and reporting related to the Fellowship, as requested.
Serve as a liaison between the fellowship and broader PSiX staff and partners, including the Purpose Commons—sharing relevant PSiX updates, deadlines, and priorities with the Coordinator, and helping route fellowship needs to the right PSiX contacts.
Other Position-Related Responsibilities (5%)
Participate in projects or other duties as assigned with occasional work responsibility falling above or below current classification.
Completion of any university required compliance trainings.
REWARDS & BENEFTIS
- Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.
- 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.
- Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: https://hr.cornell.edu/jobs/your-total-rewards.
- 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.
- 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.
Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We’re an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.
University Job Title:
Program/Extension Aide III
Job Family:
Academic Support
Level:
C
Pay Rate Type:
Hourly
Pay Range:
$24.30 - $26.79
Remote Option Availability:
Onsite
Company:
Contract College
Contact Name:
Sheri Spencer-Chrisjohn
Contact Email:
sas636@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
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Union Positions
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2026-09-18