Project Associate

The Opportunity

The College of Engineering's Office of Innovation is seeking a highly organized, proactive, and collaborative Project Associate to support the operational success of a fast-paced, high-impact team focused on innovation, corporate engagement, and student opportunity.

In this pivotal role, the Project Associate serves as the operational backbone of the Office of Innovation, coordinating cross-functional projects, streamlining internal processes, and supporting strategic initiatives that advance external partnerships, inclusive talent development, and experiential learning opportunities for students.

Working closely with the Senior Director, faculty collaborators, university partners, and external stakeholders, this position plays a key role in ensuring efficient operations, effective communication, and successful execution of major initiatives across the office.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage administrative operations, workflows, and project timelines across multiple initiatives.
• Support strategic planning, implementation, and tracking of office priorities and programs.
• Oversee scheduling, communications, budgeting support, and internal operational processes.
• Serve as a central point of coordination among internal teams, faculty, university offices, and external partners.
• Maintain and improve systems that support collaboration, efficiency, and organizational effectiveness.
• Assist with reporting, documentation, and project management activities.
• Support a collaborative, inclusive, and service-oriented team environment.

This is a full-time (40 hours/week) endowed position that is based in Ithaca, NY. This position follows a 4:1 campus-to-home hybrid work arrangement. This hybrid work arrangement is subject to change at any time. Work hours are 8:30am to 5:00pm.

About the College of Engineering Office of Innovation

The College of Engineering Office of External Collaboration and Innovation manages both the Innovation Studio and the Corporate and Employer Engagement portfolio, serving as a central hub for external partnerships, talent development, and experiential learning. The Innovation Studio provides hands-on support for student-led ventures, creative problem-solving, and real-world project-based learning. Simultaneously, the Corporate and Employer Engagement team cultivates and stewards strategic partnerships with industry leaders, advancing workforce readiness and research collaboration.

What We Need

We are seeking a team member who is organized, able to multi-task, and takes initiative. Additionally, you will have:

• A Bachelor's degree and 2-4 years of relevant professional experience in project coordination, office administration, higher education, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing demands.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy in managing data, budgets, and documentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including professional correspondence and internal reporting.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative, customer-service orientation and ability to work effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency with office software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Teams, SharePoint) and familiarity with database or project management platforms.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

If you possess these experiences and skills this may be the role for you! There are a few other qualifications we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, to include:

• Prior experience in a university, nonprofit, or mission-driven organization, especially in a project management or program coordination role.
• Familiarity with project tracking or workflow tools (e.g., Asana, Project) and/or CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce).
• Experience managing or assisting with event logistics, internal communications, or executive scheduling.
• Understanding of academic environments and the ability to navigate complex institutional structures and processes.
• Interest in or exposure to innovation, employer engagement, or student programming in higher education.

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

Rewards and Benefits

• This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role remotely 1 day per week and on-campus 4 days per week. The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time.
• This position is based in Ithaca, New York.
• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.
• 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.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

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