About the Climate Jobs Institute
The Climate Jobs Institute at Cornell University’s ILR School is guiding New York’s and the nation’s transition to a strong, equitable, and resilient clean energy economy that tackles the climate crisis, creates high-quality union jobs, which cultivates and develops inclusive and equitable working relationships.
Through cutting-edge policy research, deep relationships with on-the-ground partners, and innovative training and education programs, the Institute provides the information that policymakers, the labor and environmental movements, industry leaders and others need to navigate this historic transition to a zero-carbon economy. The Climate Jobs Institute serves as the academic and educational partner to the Climate Jobs National Resource Center, providing research, policy and educational support to coalitions of unions in numerous U.S. states.
The Climate Jobs Institute studies the labor and employment impacts of climate change and the transition to clean energy and develops worker-and-equitable centered climate policy for U.S. states and cities. CJI’s research includes developing energy, emissions and labor profiles for U.S. states, analyzing the efficacy of state climate policy and programs, examining and calculating the job creation impacts of various climate policies, and identifying best practices for accelerating climate action, high-quality union job creation and equitable working relationships. Much of CJI’s research is used to help labor unions develop a positive and proactive vision for addressing climate change and differences. CJI engages in academic research focused on advancing working conditions in clean energy sectors, fostering high-quality job creation through clean energy investments, and supporting best practices for equitable transitions.
About the Position
We are seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented, and collaborative Administrative Assistant C04- CJI Leadership Team Administrative Assistant to provide comprehensive support to the Institute’s Executive Director, leadership team, and program staff. This role is essential to ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, event coordination, and communication for projects that address climate change and build an inclusive workforce.
This position is located in New York, NY, within the ILR School located at 570 Lexington Avenue.
Requires some flexibility in work hours, including occasional evenings or Saturdays with advance notice, for special event support.
Key Responsibilities for Success
Executive Support & Calendar Management – Manage complex scheduling for the Executive Director, prioritizing requests and coordinating across multiple stakeholders and time zones.
Logistics & Event Coordination – Plan and execute workshops, trainings, and conferences; arrange facilities, prepare materials, and provide on-site assistance to ensure seamless delivery.
Document & Communications Excellence – Prepare, proofread, and edit reports, presentations, and internal/external communications, ensuring clarity, quality, and accessibility.
Technical & Project Tracking – Utilize Microsoft Office, Salesforce, Canva, and other tools to track program activities, compile data, and maintain efficient workflows.
Fiscal & Operational Administration – Process reimbursements, expense reports, purchase orders, and inventory management; coordinate with facilities/IT as needed.
Top Success Factors (What We’re Looking For)
Proven experience supporting senior leadership with complex calendar management.
Skilled in coordinating travel, meetings, and events that involve multiple partners/vendors.
Strong written communication and editing skills with a keen eye for detail.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and operational platforms (Salesforce, Canva, Qualtrics).
Ability to thrive in fast-paced, collaborative environments and adapt to evolving priorities.
Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.
Minimum Qualifications
Associate’s degree and a minimum of two to four years of relevant experience in an office setting or equivalent combination.
Proven ability to successfully manage multiple tasks while working simultaneously under pressure within a fast-paced office environment, meeting required deadlines.
Ability to work independently to anticipate and solve problems and to take direction from others.
Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities.
Ability to take initiative and be a proactive team member.
Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment.
Must have outstanding organizational skills.
Excellent Outlook calendar skills, including coordination of complex meetings.
Advanced Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel skills, including Google Workspace and Adobe PDF functionality.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare presentation materials.
Strong proofreading and editing skills and experience in taking meeting minutes.
Research, writing, proofreading, and editing skills are necessary.
Ability to work with multiple programs, projects, and Institute Extension Associates and staff.
Requires flexibility in work hours, including occasional evenings or Saturdays with advance notice, for special event support.
Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred.
Minimum of five to six years of experience in an office setting, preferably in higher education.
Familiarity with virtual meetings, presentations, and webinars using Zoom.
Proficiency with social media platforms, including other social media platforms as needed by the department.
Experience with Salesforce or similar Customer Relationship Management systems.
Experience in proofreading and editing technical and scientific papers in the social sciences.
Prior experience with event planning.
Knowledge of survey software.
Experience with and knowledge of the labor movement, worker’s organizations, social justice, leadership development, human rights, adult education and or social science.
Why Join Us
Play a pivotal role in advancing climate and labor initiatives in New York and across the nation.
Collaborate with an energetic, mission-driven team passionate about equity, sustainability, and workforce development.
More information about the ILR School can be obtained at our web site, http://www.ilr.cornell.edu and Climate Jobs Institute at https://www.ilr.cornell.edu/climate-jobs-institute
Salary per CWA non-exempt bargaining unit contract $35.25 per hour.
ILR School appreciates employees by providing the opportunity for a 3:2 campus-to-home hybrid schedule.
Candidate Introduction Calls will begin the week of October 23, 2025.
Cornell appreciates employees with great rewards & benefits:
Cornell provides great benefits that include educational benefits, access to a plethora of wellness programs, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, health care options to choose from, generous paid leave provisions and superior retirement contributions.
Cornell understands that different individuals have different needs and concerns regarding salary, benefits, and rewards. That's why we’ve created a comprehensive and flexible program to meet your needs. For more information click here.
Apply Today: Submit your resume and a cover letter to demonstrate how your past experiences and achievements show you can successfully meet the key responsibilities in support of the Climate Jobs Institute’s mission.
University Job Title:
Administrative Assistant C04
Job Family:
Communication Wkrs of America
Level:
C04
Pay Rate Type:
Hourly
Pay Range:
Refer to Union Pay Rates Link Below
Remote Option Availability:
Hybrid
Company:
Contract College
Contact Name:
Brenda Herrling
Contact Email:
[email protected]
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.
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