Temporary Administrative Assistant

Cornell University; Ithaca (MI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornell University in Ithaca, NY is seeking a Temporary Administrative Assistant to provide front desk support and basic administrative services for the Offices of the President and Provost. The role is full-time, non-benefits, temporary for about 3 months, requiring a schedule of 8:30AM – 5:00PM, Monday–Friday, onsite at Day Hall.

The pay rate is $26.41/hour. The successful candidate will have an associate’s degree and 4–6 years of administrative support experience, with strong interpersonal

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree required or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 4–6 years of administrative support experience, preferably supporting an executive.
• Strong interpersonal, oral communication, and customer service skills.
• Ability to interact professionally with callers and visitors, including difficult situations.
• High standards of discretion and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Oversee front-office operations and coverage, greet guests, answer phones, monitor calendars, and coordinate administrative support across the office.
• Assist with incoming mail, inbox management, and tracking of outgoing correspondence requests.
• Coordinate vendor payments, procurement of goods and services, and related administrative transactions with the Shared Services Center.

Skills

Initiative

Discernment

Customer service

Professionalism

Confidentiality

Education

Associate degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Teams

Qualtrics

Google Drive

Job description

We are seeking a Temporary Administrative Assistant in the Office of the President in Ithaca, NY. The position will provide front desk and basic administrative support to the Offices of the President and Provost. Initiative, discernment, strong customer services skills, and a high level of professionalism and confidentiality are essential in this position.

This is a full-time (39 hours/week), non-benefits temporary role for approximately 3 months, but may be extended based on the needs of the department. The schedule will be approximately 8:30AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday.

This is an onsite position, the temporary employee would be expected to work on campus at our Ithaca location in Day Hall.

The pay rate will be $26.41/hour.

The Temporary Administrative Assistant will support the daily administrative operations of the office. Specific responsibilities will include:

• Overseeing front-office operations and coverage, including greeting guests, answering phones, monitoring leadership calendars, maintaining a welcoming and professional lobby area, and coordinating administrative support needs across the office.
• Serving as a liaison to the President’s Correspondence Manager, assisting with incoming mail, inbox management, and the tracking and coordination of outgoing correspondence requests.
• Serving as the office financial liaison to the Shared Services Center, coordinating vendor payments, procurement of goods and services, and related administrative transactions.

What We Need

The successful candidate will:

• Have an associate’s degree and 4–6 years of administrative support experience, preferably supporting an executive, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal, oral communication, and customer service skills.
• Interact with individuals in a professional, diplomatic, and courteous manner, including when working with callers or visitors who may be difficult or upset.
• Work effectively as part of a high-functioning team in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to navigate competing priorities and respond with flexibility and composure to changing demands.
• Demonstrate prior experience handling confidential and sensitive information, with a strong commitment to maintaining the highest standards of discretion and confidentiality.
• Demonstrate independent judgment, initiative, problem-solving, and decision-making skills when responding to constituents and representing the office.
• Demonstrate strong technological proficiency, including advanced skills with Microsoft Office applications, Outlook, Teams, Qualtrics, Google Drive, and other collaboration tools.
• Have experience with, or the ability to quickly learn, administrative financial processes such as procurement, vendor payments, and related transactions.
• Previous administrative experience at Cornell University is preferred.

A cover letter and resume are required for further consideration for this position.

No Visa Sponsorship is available for this position.

No Relocation Assistance is available for this position.

University Job Title:

Temporary Administrative Assistant

Job Family:

Temporary Administration

Level:

No Grade - Hourly

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Pay Range:

Refer to Posting Language

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

Company:

Contact Name:

Cyndi Morris

Contact Email:

[e-mail]

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

• 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.

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EEO Statement:

Cornellwelcomes 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 or 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 seeksjob candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. Wehire based on merit, andencourage 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.

2026-10-22