Initiative Coordinator
Initiative Coordinator
Smith Family Business Initiative, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.
As part of the university's comprehensive vaccination program, all Cornell employees are required to have and provide proof of an FDA-or WHO-authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine or have obtained a university-approved disability/medical or religious exemption, regardless of their role and work location.
New hires are required to provide documentation showing full vaccination status (that is, completion of two shots of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or one shot of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson) before their first day of work. If a new hire's vaccination is not complete or information is not received by their start date, the first day of work will be delayed. It is possible in some cases that an offer of employment may be withdrawn.
Cornell SC Johnson College of Business:
Leading at the intersection of people, business, and technology, the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business is one of the most comprehensive business schools in the nation and includes many areas of expertise not found in any other leading institution. The college is comprised of the university’s three accredited business schools, each of which is recognized as among the best in higher education: the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, and the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration. Our academic research; industry and community engagement; and undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs all reflect the future of business: flexible, collaborative, and cross-disciplinary. The college community includes 232 research faculty, 46,000 alumni, and nearly 3,300 undergraduate, professional, and graduate students. The SC Johnson College of Business has an unparalleled resource base from which to draw—within the college, Cornell Tech in New York City, and Cornell University broadly.
The Initiative Coordinator Opportunity:
Founded in 2014, the Smith Family Business Initiative at Cornell is dedicated to supporting and strengthening the network of owners, leaders, and alumni that work in, with or for a family business. The Initiative provides education, networking and new knowledge for family business owners, successors, and students from across the globe.
Under the general direction of the Executive Director of the Smith Family Business Initiative, the
Initiative Coordinator will:
Provide administrative, operational, and program support. This includes serving as the first point of contact for the Initiative, preparing materials and reports for various meetings, events, programs, and classes, tracking gifts and revenue the Initiative receives, and also participating in and summarizing key Initiative communications.
Coordinate and staff the Initiative’s events, working with leadership on the development of an event agenda, schedule, and any additional support materials needed. This role will also need to actively promote events on our online and digital platforms.
Develop and distribute stakeholder communications, along with website and social media content in a timely manner, ensuring that content is relevant and current.
Maintain a robust communications and social media outreach schedule, securing news, events and articles relevant to family business and posting appropriate information on identified social media channels in accordance with marketing plan.
Serve as a primary point of contact for center activities, programs, courses and engagements.
Support leadership in the development of the annual budget and provide input on the reforecasting process.
Required Qualifications:
Associate's degree and two to four years of high-level administrative experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Exceptional customer service skills and proven experience in event planning.
Must be a self-starter with the demonstrated ability to work independently while having the prudence to discern when to ask questions and seek out additional information.
Excellent oral/written communication, organizational and time management skills are essential.
Proven ability to prioritize multiple projects and work well with diverse constituents including but not limited to faculty, staff, students, vendors, and alumni.
Ability to read and comprehend policies, guidelines, protocols and ask appropriate questions when dealing with professional, and potentially sensitive, situations.
Ability to learn software programs and understand data relationships using multiple sources.
Capable of creating reports both routine and ad hoc.
Must be proficient in the use of Salesforce and MS Office Suite.
Needs to be comfortable with occasional ambiguity.
A positive and enthusiastic, outgoing nature is a must.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Previous experience at Cornell supporting an academic institute or research center a plus.
Rewards & Benefits at Cornell:
This position is a full-time position based in Ithaca, NY, and is eligible for benefits. This role is also eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with some remote work opportunities. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. If interested in applying please include a cover letter with your application.
Cornell has been nationally recognized as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability and diversity initiatives. Cornell’s key benefits include:
Health Care – Several plan options for medical, dental, prescription drug, and vision care coverage.
Generous Paid Time Off & Leave Provisions with flexible work options – This includes vacation time, health and personal time, holidays, and parental leave.
Retirement Plans – Employees can choose from a selection of plans to meet their financial goals.
Education – Options include the Employee Degree Program, taking classes to enrich your career skills, New York’s 529 College Savings Program, and Cornell Children’s Tuition Scholarship.
EEO Statement:
Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. 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.