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. University Job Title: Project Associate I Job Family: Administration Level: E Pay Rate Type: Salary Pay Range: $65,447.00 - $75,632.00 Remote Option Availability: Hybrid Company: Endowed Contact Name: Jamie Doss Contact Email: jjd293@cornell.edu 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 mycareer@cornell.edu. 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 (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu. 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 mycareer@cornell.edu. 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. 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. 2026-05-18 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.