Temporary Administrative Assistant, University Major Gifts

Cornell University welcomes candidates for the position of Temporary Administrative Assistant in our Alumni Affairs and Development division, based in Ithaca, NY. This role presents an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the university's advancement efforts. Position Summary Join our collaborative University Major Gifts team as a temporary Administrative Assistant, providing critical operational support to 4-6 major gift officers who cultivate relationships with Cornell's most generous supporters. You'll be part of a tight-knit team that values curiosity, continuous learning, and building strong working relationships while supporting fundraising efforts that directly impact Cornell's mission. Key Responsibilities Maintain accurate data and gift tracking in PeopleSoft, ensuring seamless information flow that supports our donor-centric approach to philanthropy Process travel reimbursements through Concur, supporting gift officers with expense management and reporting Prepare reports and materials that help gift officers stay organized and informed, learning about Cornell's priorities and donor interests along the way Provide occasional logistical and event support such as RSVP tracking and material coordination, contributing to cultivation activities that strengthen Cornell connections Collaborate with colleagues across Alumni Affairs & Development (Donor Relations, Gift Processing, Information Services) to resolve data questions and maintain institutional excellence Provide reliable administrative support that enables gift officers to focus on relationship-building, while contributing to a positive team culture through proactive collaboration and professional enthusiasm About Alumni Affairs and Development Cornell's Alumni Affairs and Development division, widely regarded as one of the top-performing advancement organizations in higher education, connects alumni, parents and friends with opportunities to advance the university's mission through philanthropy and engagement. As part of our team, you'll help cultivate meaningful relationships while working alongside dedicated professionals who share your commitment to excellence and educational advancement. Required Qualifications High school diploma with 2-4 years of relevant administrative experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and comfort learning new database systems Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities for several team members simultaneously Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with genuine interest in representing Cornell professionally Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion and maintain high standards of accuracy Curiosity about Cornell's mission and willingness to learn about fundraising operations, donor relations, and university priorities Other Information This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role remotely 3 days per week and on-campus 2 days per week. The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke, or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time. This temporary position is full-time (39 hours/week) with an anticipated end date of December 15, 2026. Anticipated hourly wage $24.30 - $26.15 Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance is not 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: Hybrid Company: Contact Name: Allison Washburn Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io Job Titles and Pay Ranges: 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. Current Employees: If you currently work at Cornell University, please exit this website and log in to Workday using your Net ID and password. Select the Career icon on your Home dashboard to view jobs at Cornell. Online Submission Guidelines: Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter. You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website. Employment Assistance: For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email View email address on click.appcast.io. If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice View phone number on click.appcast.io, or email at View email address on click.appcast.io. Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing View email address on click.appcast.io. Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant. 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 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 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. 2026-06-15 Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City. We offer a rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life, including employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave and flexible work options.