Music Department Administrator V — Strategic Operations Lead

Cornell University; Ithaca (MI); On-site; USD 115,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornell University’s Department of Music in Ithaca, NY, seeks an Administrator V to lead the department’s administrative and business operations. You will provide strategic leadership for finances, HR, scheduling, and facilities, supervise non-academic staff, and ensure compliance with university policies while supporting instructional programs and public engagement.

The role requires strong supervision, policy interpretation, and collaboration across college and university offices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 5–7 years of experience or equivalent.
• Strong leadership, supervisory, organizational, analytical and problem‑solving skills; ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication and ability to build collaborative relationships across a diverse organization.
• Experience with financial management, human resources, administrative technologies, and enterprise systems, plus policy interpretation.
• Higher education experience preferred.
• Interest in or appreciation for music and performing arts.
• Demonstrated skill in understanding cultural differences.
• Proven experience linking inclusion, belonging and wellbeing to business goals.

Responsibilities

• Manage the administrative and business operations of a complex academic department with teaching, research, performance, and public engagement activities.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for financial management, HR, academic administration, facilities and space planning, and operational policies.
• Supervise non‑academic staff and deliver administrative services supporting programs, curricula, events and scheduling.
• Represent the department in collaboration with college and university offices on administrative matters, ensuring compliance and sound decision‑making.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Policy interpretation

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Cultural awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

Enterprise systems

Job description

Cornell University’s Department of Music in Ithaca, NY, seeks an Administrator V to lead the department’s administrative and business operations. You will provide strategic leadership for finances, HR, scheduling, and facilities, supervise non-academic staff, and ensure compliance with university policies while supporting instructional programs and public engagement.

The role requires strong supervision, policy interpretation, and collaboration across college and university offices.