We are seeking a Temporary Administrative Assistant in the Office of the President in Ithaca, NY. The position will provide front desk and basic administrative support to the Offices of the President and Provost. Initiative, discernment, strong customer services skills, and a high level of professionalism and confidentiality are essential in this position.
This is a full-time (39 hours/week), non-benefits temporary role for approximately 3 months, but may be extended based on the needs of the department. The schedule will be approximately 8:30AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday.
This is an onsite position, the temporary employee would be expected to work on campus at our Ithaca location in Day Hall.
The pay rate will be $26.41/hour.
The Temporary Administrative Assistant will support the daily administrative operations of the office. Specific responsibilities will include:
- Overseeing front-office operations and coverage, including greeting guests, answering phones, monitoring leadership calendars, maintaining a welcoming and professional lobby area, and coordinating administrative support needs across the office.
- Serving as a liaison to the President’s Correspondence Manager, assisting with incoming mail, inbox management, and the tracking and coordination of outgoing correspondence requests.
- Serving as the office financial liaison to the Shared Services Center, coordinating vendor payments, procurement of goods and services, and related administrative transactions.
What We Need
We are seeking a highly organized, professional, and collaborative team member who demonstrates strong attention to detail, adaptability, sound judgment, and a commitment to excellent service. The successful candidate will:
- Have an associate’s degree and 4–6 years of administrative support experience, preferably supporting an executive, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrate excellent interpersonal, oral communication, and customer service skills.
- Interact with individuals in a professional, diplomatic, and courteous manner, including when working with callers or visitors who may be difficult or upset.
- Work effectively as part of a high-functioning team in a fast-paced environment.
- Able to navigate competing priorities and respond with flexibility and composure to changing demands.
- Demonstrate prior experience handling confidential and sensitive information, with a strong commitment to maintaining the highest standards of discretion and confidentiality.
- Demonstrate independent judgment, initiative, problem-solving, and decision-making skills when responding to constituents and representing the office.
- Demonstrate strong technological proficiency, including advanced skills with Microsoft Office applications, Outlook, Teams, Qualtrics, Google Drive, and other collaboration tools.
- Have experience with, or the ability to quickly learn, administrative financial processes such as procurement, vendor payments, and related transactions.
- Previous administrative experience at Cornell University is preferred.
A cover letter and resume are required for further consideration for this position.
No Visa Sponsorship is available for this position.
No Relocation Assistance is available for this position.
University Job Title:
Temporary Administrative Assistant
Job Family:
Temporary Administration
Level:
No Grade - Hourly
Pay Rate Type:
Hourly
Pay Range:
Refer to Posting Language
Remote Option Availability:
Onsite
Company:
Contact Name:
Cyndi Morris
Contact Email:
clm74@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
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.
Current Employees:
If you currently work at Cornell University, please exit this website and log in to Workday using your Net ID and password. Select the Career icon on your Home dashboard to view jobs at Cornell.
Online Submission Guidelines:
Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter. You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website.
Employment Assistance:
For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.
If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.
Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.
Notice to Applicants:
Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.
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.
2026-10-22