Administrative Asst IV

Provides event coordination and administrative support for the Society for the Humanities, including managing the building’s complex event and class calendar to prevent scheduling conflicts.

About The Society For The Humanities

The Society for the Humanities is housed in the historic Andrew Dickson White House, which also serves as a venue for academic workshops, conferences, receptions, and other events. The building supports the Society for the Humanities, the Humanities Scholars Program, and the School of Criticism and Theory. Cornell academic departments, central administration, student groups, and the greater Ithaca community use the space. The venue hosts an average of 3–4 events per week during the academic year and 1–2 events per week in the summer.

Responsibilities

Venue Coordination

• Serve as the first point of contact and public face of the Society for the Humanities, A.D. White House, and Humanities Scholars Program.
• Provide information and assistance to students, faculty, alumni, visitors, departments, administration, and outside clients.
• Schedule, reserve, and coordinate billing for all A.D. White House spaces, including the Jonathan Culler Guest Suite.
• Prepare and stock the guest suite and serve as the check-in agent for visitors.

Events Coordination

• Independently oversee event planning for the Society for the Humanities, including catering, room reservations, and coordination with visiting speakers.
• Coordinate set-up and maintenance of A/V equipment for Society classes, lectures, and conferences.
• Coordinate use of the Cornell events website and maintain the Society website events calendar.
• Create and distribute the weekly humanities events email newsletter.
• Publicize Society events through the Society website, email channels, and social media platforms.

Administrative Support

• Respond to high-volume emails and phone calls and screen, transfer, refer, or direct individuals as appropriate.
• Maintain inventories for office, building, and kitchen supplies.
• Provide administrative support to building occupants and guests, including Society fellows, instructors, and program staff.
• Liaise with the A.D. White House Building Coordinator and/or Facilities staff regarding maintenance projects, key and keycard access requests, and building maintenance and repair tickets.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree; 2-4 years’ experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience in or ability to quickly achieve proficiency in the use of Word, Excel, Outlook calendaring, InDesign, PhotoShop, Drupal, and Zoom.
• Must be able to work independently, be self-motivated, and have a proactive approach to problem solving.
• Must be willing to collaborate on big-picture projects with Society staff and director.
• Comfort with classroom A/V technology.
• General knowledge of online social media platforms.
• Experience in basic graphic design and basic professional writing skills.
• Strong organizational, communication, and administrative skills.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize workload in an often-busy public environment.
• Must enjoy interfacing with many people throughout the day.
• Experience working directly with people from various socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• An interest in the humanities

Schedule

This is a full-time (39 hours/week) position that is based in Ithaca, NY and fully on-site. Core hours are Monday to Friday, 8am to 4:30pm. The final schedule will be established in collaboration with the supervisor.

Pay

Hourly pay range: $26.41 - $30.69

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands.
• 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-year winter break from December 25-January 1. Two additional floating holidays for observing faiths and traditions.
• Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.