Administrative Assistant to Director and Executive Director, Bronfenbrenner Center Translational Research; BCTR

Administrative Assistant

Cornell University's Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research (BCTR) is seeking a proactive, relationship-focused Administrative Assistant to support the Center's Director and Executive Director while helping advance research, programs, and partnerships that improve the lives of children, youth, families, and communities. This is far more than a traditional administrative role. You will serve as a trusted partner who helps drive impactful work through coordination, communication, event planning, executive support, and operational excellence.

If you're energized by meaningful work, enjoy variety in your day, and love anticipating needs before they're even voiced, we'd love to hear from you.

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research (BCTR), housed within Cornell Human Ecology, works to translate research into practical solutions that strengthen children, families, and communities. BCTR collaborates with faculty, students, practitioners, community organizations, and external partners to create meaningful impact through research, education, and public engagement. As the Center continues to grow and expand its visibility across Cornell and beyond, this position will play a key role in supporting that momentum.

As a member of the Centers & Institutes support team, you'll provide high-level administrative and operational support to BCTR leadership and help ensure the success of programs, events, initiatives, and daily operations.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing complex calendars, scheduling, and travel for senior leadership.
• Preparing correspondence, presentations, reports, meeting materials, and briefing documents.
• Serving as a primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinating events, workshops, meetings, and community engagement activities.
• Supporting Qualtrics survey administration and reporting.
• Managing shared inboxes, distribution lists, and communications.
• Assisting with procurement, travel reimbursements, and administrative transactions.
• Maintaining website content and supporting newsletters and communications efforts.
• Collaborating with faculty, staff, students, donors, community partners, and external organizations.

What We Need

• Associate's degree and 4-6 years of relevant or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and simultaneously work on multiple projects with general supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to practice sound judgement and reasoning.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Strong attention to detail and ability to organize work and work processes.
• Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office Suite and Canva.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

It Would Be a Bonus if You Have Any of the Following

• Prior experience in a senior leadership support role.
• Graphic design experience.
• Event coordination experience.

Important Notes About Applying

• A resume and cover letter outlining your interest and how your experience and goals align with the potential for mutual success in the role are required for consideration.
• This position is based on-site in Ithaca, NY. Occasional flexibility may be available based on business needs, successful onboarding and operational requirements.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Rewards and Benefits

Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.

• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands.
• 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. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays.
• 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.