Operations Administrative Assistant, Office of Student Services & Admissions

Position Overview

The Arts & Sciences Student Services & Admissions Office supports a one‐stop services model for 4,700 undergraduate students from admission to graduation. As an Operations Administrative Assistant, you will be an integral part of our dynamic team, providing essential administrative, financial, and operational support while working closely with leadership to ensure smooth processes in financial operations, event coordination, and comprehensive student services.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor, track, and document financial transactions across 100+ accounts with over $1M in expenditures per fiscal year; assist with financial compliance, budget reconciliation, and reporting.
• Provide administrative and financial support for special programs and events (e.g., Mellon Mays, Einhorn Discovery Grant, Posse, and College Scholar program events).
• Coordinate the Senior Associate Dean’s calendar, prioritize requests, draft reports, and oversee unit communications.
• Assist with course entry, catalog updates, curriculum coordination, academic integrity hearings, and processing of late grades.
• Oversee the student return-to-study process, liaising with key university offices and drafting official communications.
• Contribute to team projects, maintain compliance with federal, state, and university policies, and perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree and 2 to 4 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, customer-oriented environment with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a professional demeanor.
• Proficiency in required software programs (Microsoft Word, Excel, FileMaker, etc.) and the ability to quickly learn new tools, including database management and university information systems.
• A commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality and cultivating inclusive, equitable working relationships.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience with Salesforce or PeopleSoft.
• Knowledge of Cornell accounting processes.
• Prior experience working in an academic unit.

Benefits & Perks

• Compensation: Hourly pay range of $25.52 - $29.66.
• This is a fully on-site role located in Ithaca, New York.
• Health care options: Comprehensive plans provided.
• Retirement contributions: Generous contributions to your retirement plan.
• Access to various wellness programs, employee discounts, and extensive educational benefits including tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Programs.
• Robust leave provisions including health/personal leave, three weeks of vacation, 13 holidays, and additional floating holidays.