Administrative Assistant V

About the Department of Public and Ecosystem Health

The Department of Public and Ecosystem Health is within the College of Veterinary Medicine. Cornell Public Health's mission is to advance equitable, sustainable health and well‑being by using a systems-based, transdisciplinary approach that integrates social and environmental determinants of health into education, research, and practice. The program emphasizes community engagement and real‑world impact to improve health locally and globally. Its vision centers on promoting human and environmental health together, focusing on prevention and long‑term sustainability in a world facing climate change, inequity, and other global challenges.

The Opportunity

The Assistant to the Chair and Director serves as the primary administrative partner to the Department Chair of Public and Ecosystem Health (PEH) and Director of Cornell Public Health (CPH). This role leads the administrative team responsible for carrying out a broad range of routine to highly complex tasks that ensure smooth operations and effective communication across the PEH academic department and the Cornell Public Health program.

Operating within a highly interactive environment that spans academia, research, public health practice, and external partnerships, this individual draws on comprehensive knowledge of institutional policies, practices, and precedents to anticipate organizational needs and support unit priorities. The ideal candidate is exceptionally organized, exercises excellent judgment in managing multiple priorities, and handles confidential/sensitive information with professionalism and discretion. A positive attitude, strong critical-thinking skills, and proactive problem-solving are essential.

Highly responsive and service-oriented, this individual communicates effectively across all levels to meet stakeholder needs.

This position reports directly to the Assistant Director of Operations for Cornell Public Health, who also functions as the Administrative Manager for the Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, ensuring coordinated support across both units. Regular interaction with diverse campus partners, community collaborators, government agencies, vendors, and external public health entities is required to coordinate and advance programmatic, academic, and operational goals.

What You Will Do

Executive Support

* Serve as the primary administrative support for the PEH Department Chair and the Director of CPH; understand their roles, priorities, and workflows and provide the appropriate level and type of support needed to advance each unit's mission.

* Provide high-level executive administrative support, including drafting and reviewing correspondence, managing inquiries and communications, and preparing materials and briefings.

* Coordinate complex calendars, schedule and track meetings and events, and arrange visits from government representatives, public health partners, and advisory groups.

* Support faculty affairs processes-faculty searches, dossiers, annual reviews, third-year reviews, promotion and tenure actions-and coordinate communications and documentation.

* Manage planning and logistics for departmental and program events, retreats, seminars, and public health-related activities.

Administrative Leadership & Collaboration

* Provide guidance and backup support to administrative staff supporting PEH and CPH operations.

* Serve as a resource and point of coordination across academic, research, and community engagement activities.

* Assist in developing and improving administrative workflows, communications, and operational efficiency across units.

Stakeholder Engagement

* Proactively respond to the diverse needs of faculty, staff, students, internal partners, public health collaborators, clients, and external agencies.

* Represent the missions and interests of PEH and CPH in all business interactions.

If you are an experienced administrative professional who is comfortable navigating the ambiguity of a changing environment, likes to jump in to assist a teammate, and has a knack for building effective relationships, we encourage you to apply with your resume and cover letter!

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