Administrative Coordinator, College of Engineering, Alumni Affairs and Development

Administrative Coordinator

Building on our 150-plus-year legacy as one of the nation's preeminent engineering colleges, the Cornell Duffield College of Engineering is a purpose-driven, inclusive community committed to developing the knowledge, capabilities, and people needed to forge a better future. Comprising more than 10 schools and departments, we are rooted in Ithaca, New York, with a growing presence in New York City and a global network of alumni and collaborators.

Guided by our core values, our faculty and staff regularly engage across disciplines and intentionally bring together a range of perspectives as they lead and support ambitious efforts to tackle societal challenges, develop the next generation of leaders, and make a meaningful difference in the world.

Cornell Engineering is seeking an Administrative Coordinator to play a vital role in advancing alumni engagement, donor relations, and development efforts that support one of the nation's leading engineering colleges.

In this highly visible position, you will provide strategic administrative and project coordination support to the Associate Dean for Alumni Affairs and Development and the Director of Development. You will serve as a key partner in fostering connections with alumni, donors, volunteers, and university leaders while helping drive initiatives that strengthen the future of Cornell Engineering.

As the Administrative Coordinator, you will serve as a central member of the Alumni Affairs and Development (AAD) team, supporting priorities that advance engagement and philanthropy across Cornell Engineering.

Project Coordination & Advancement Support:

• Coordinate and support alumni and donor engagement activities in partnership with the Associate Dean, Director of Development, and colleagues across Alumni Affairs and Development.
• Prepare meeting briefings, visit materials, stewardship documents, gift reports, and donor correspondence.
• Maintain and update donor and alumni information within university databases.
• Conduct prospect research and assist with reporting and pipeline development activities.
• Support regional travel and engagement initiatives involving college leadership, department chairs, and academic directors.
• Help coordinate individual meetings, events, and strategic outreach efforts involving alumni and prospective donors.

Communications & Stewardship:

• Draft, edit, and coordinate correspondence on behalf of senior leaders.
• Prepare stewardship reports and development-related communications.
• Assist with maintaining and updating web content.
• Support alumni engagement, stewardship, and donor relations initiatives in collaboration with campus partners.
• Help ensure timely, accurate, and impactful communication with alumni, volunteers, and donors.

Administrative Coordination:

• Manage complex calendars and scheduling for senior leaders.
• Coordinate domestic and regional travel arrangements and related documentation.
• Monitor department budgets and process invoices, reimbursements, travel vouchers, and financial transactions.
• Prepare and distribute reports and other business materials.
• Support volunteer leadership groups, including the Engineering College Council and Campaign Executive Committee.
• Serve as an office resource by helping maintain efficient workflows, records, and administrative processes.

Planning & Execution:

• Assist with planning and executing alumni engagement, donor, and volunteer events.
• Coordinate logistics for campus visits, speaking engagements, meetings, and special events.
• Support event-related communications, materials development, and database tracking.
• Participate in on-campus and regional activities that support advancement priorities.

Team & Professional Development/ Other duties:

• Participate in training and professional development opportunities.
• Stay current on emerging technologies, tools, and best practices.
• Contribute ideas, solutions, and process improvements that advance departmental goals.
• Support special projects and other duties as assigned.

This role offers the opportunity to work closely with university leadership, engage with accomplished alumni and donors, and contribute to initiatives that help shape the future of engineering education and research. If you are an adaptable, detail-oriented professional who enjoys balancing executive support, communications, event coordination, and relationship management, we encourage you to apply with your resume and cover letter!

A cover letter and resume outlining your interest and how your experience and goals align with the potential for mutual success in the role are required for consideration.

• Associate's degree and 2 to 4 years relevant experience or equivalent combination.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills and have the ability to effectively communicate both in writing and verbally.
• Must be organized, detail oriented and have demonstrated the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
• Must be able to work with highly sensitive, personal information and maintain strict confidentiality. Must…