Manager of Strategic Initiatives

The Cornell Prison Education Program (CPEP) is seeking a highly qualified Manager of Strategic Initiatives.

This is a grant-funded, full time, term-limited position through December 31, 2028.  

This opportunity offers remote work; however, the successful candidate will be required to work on campus at least once per month, with additional on-site presence as needed.

Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Manager of Strategic Initiatives plays a critical senior leadership role in advancing the mission and long-term sustainability of the Cornell Prison Education Program. If chosen for this position, you will partner closely with the Executive Director and senior leadership to design and execute high-impact initiatives that strengthen CPEP’s academic programs and other initiatives, expand access to higher education in prison, and support innovation across the organization.

In this position you will lead complex, cross-functional projects across CPEP’s portfolio of initiatives including but not limited to the launch of CPEP’s Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) program, the execution of two strategic initiatives called the Education Justice Tracker (EJT) and the Partnership for Advancing Prison Education Research (PAPER), and the establishment of a NYC advisory community, as well as other operational and financial initiatives that will promote the long-term sustainability of the Cornell Prison Education Program while ensuring alignment across internal teams and external partners.

Success in this role would mean that the Cornell Prison Education is able to grow, the Ascendium grant deliverables are executed on time and CPEP improves its path to sustainability by the end of the term.

Who we are:

The Cornell Prison Education Program supports a regional collaboration that brings together Cornell faculty and graduate students to teach a college-level liberal arts curriculum to a select group of students at nearby correctional facilities.

What We Need:

For full consideration, applicants must include both a resume and cover letter with their application

• Bachelor’s degree required, 5+ years of experience in strategy, operations, program management, consulting, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives from concept through implementation
• Proven ability to translate organizational vision into actionable plans, with strong attention to execution, accountability, and results
• Experience working in prison education, nonprofit organizations, or mission-driven environments strongly preferred
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

If you have all those things, great! We have a few more things that we would prefer you to have, but it’s ok if you don’t.

• Master’s degree in business, higher education administration, planning, or aligned field would be preferred
• 10+ years of experience in strategy, operations, program management, consulting, or a related field

Rewards and Benefits

• This position is based in Ithaca, New York, however, the successful applicant may perform this role remotely anywhere within the United States. Employees who work remotely may receive multiple W-2 Forms depending on their work location.
• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
• 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.

University Job Title:

Job Family:

Level:

Pay Rate Type:

Pay Range:

Remote Option Availability:

Company:

Contact Name:

Contact Email:

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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.