Program Manager for Cornell AI Initiatives

Cornell University; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 81,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care options

Retirement contributions

Education benefits

Generous leave provisions

Job summary

Cornell University’s AI Initiative seeks a collaborative Program Manager to support the implementation and day-to-day management of AI-related research programs across Cornell.

Based on the Ithaca, NY campus with occasional remote work, this role provides project management, administrative coordination, budgeting, and operational support for internal funding competitions, seed grants, compute allocations, and Communities of Practice within a growing AI portfolio.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field; 3–5 years of full-time program or project management experience in higher education, research, or an academic setting.
• Interest in AI, emerging technologies, or research and innovation; commitment to continuous learning.
• Experience managing multiple complex programs with tight deadlines; ability to prioritize and follow through.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate multiple concurrent initiatives with clear timelines and deliverables.
• Develop and maintain processes and systems to enable scalable program delivery.
• Provide day-to-day project management and administrative coordination for AI Initiative programs.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, templates, program files, and dashboards to ensure consistent delivery.

Skills

Program management

Budget tracking

Independent work

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

None

Job description

The Cornell AI Initiative is a university-wide effort to advance Cornell’s leadership in research and education in artificial intelligence, while creating, applying, and evaluating human-centered AI as a tool across the university — from classrooms and laboratories to clinics and university administration. By leveraging Cornell’s breadth of expertise, the Cornell AI Initiative aims to understand how AI affects learning, scholarship, operations, and public engagement, and to advance responsible strategies for AI use — and intentional non-use — in service of Cornell’s mission.

Hiring budget for this position is between $84,762 to $92,467/annual.

The Opportunity

The AI Initiative is seeking a collaborative, highly organized, and adaptable Program Manager to support the implementation and day-to-day management of a growing portfolio of AI-related research programs, projects, and community activities across Cornell University.

Working closely with the AI Initiative team, faculty, and administrative partners across the University, the Program Manager will provide project management, administrative, and operational support for internal funding competitions, research community programs, research funding activities, events and other AI Initiative programs.

The primary work location for this position is on the Ithaca, NY, campus with the option to occasionally work remotely.

Fully remote work is not available for this position.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Responsibilities Of The Position Include

• Coordinating multiple concurrent initiatives and ensuring that activities are effectively planned, communicated, documented, and delivered according to established timelines.
• Developing and maintaining processes and systems that facilitate collaboration, reduce administrative burden on faculty, and enable effective delivery of AI Initiative programs at scale.
• Providing day-to-day project management and administrative coordination for AI Initiative programs, including internal funding competitions, seed grants, compute allocations, Communities of Practice, and other research initiatives.
• Developing and maintaining administrative systems, SOPs, templates, program files, and shared repositories to support consistent program delivery and maintaining program trackers and dashboards.

What We Need

The successful candidate must have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and a minimum of 3 years to 5 years of full-time work experience in program or project management within a higher education, research, or academic environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A Master’s degree is preferred.

• The successful individual will have an interest in artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, or research and innovation, with a strong commitment to continuous learning;
• Relevant experience in program management, project management, research administration, or higher education administration;
• Experience managing and coordinating multiple complex programs and projects simultaneously, with demonstrated ability to establish priorities, manage competing deadlines, and ensure follow-through;
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records;
• The ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and identify and resolve operational issues;
• Experience with budget tracking, financial administration, and/or program reporting.

Rewards And Benefits

• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
• The position is covered under the ENDOWED benefits program. Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.
• 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. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell
• 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. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell
• Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.

University Job Title

Project Associate II

Job Family

Administration

Level

F

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Range

$81,460.00 - $94,669.00

Remote Option Availability

Onsite

Company

Endowed

Contact Name

Brenda Joly

Contact Email

[e-mail]

Non-Union Positions

Noted Pay Ranges Reflect The Potential Pay Opportunity For Each Job Profile. The Hiring Rate Of Pay For The Successful Candidate Will Be Determined Considering The Following Criteria.

• Prior relevant work or industry experience
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
• Unique applicable skills
• Academic Discipline

To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

EEO Statement

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of '... any person ... any study.' No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 2026-09-22