Director of Administration - Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Culture Of Inclusion and Community Standards

As a people manager and university leader you will model and support a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and wellbeing by fostering an environment where everyone has the ability to thrive and navigate work and life's challenges because they feel like they belong and have the tools and support they need.

Department Background

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is the world's leading resource for conservation, research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. The Lab is a vibrant unit within Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), where six world-class, mission-driven centers are directed by full-time faculty and other renowned professionals. Lab staff teach undergraduate courses, advise graduate students, collect and disseminate world-famous digital resources on biodiversity, and engage with partner organizations and citizens around the world to conduct scientific research and conservation actions. Our management and staff are committed to the highest standards of ethics and excellence in all areas of our work, and our Board leadership includes successful entrepreneurs and managers from the business and non-profit sectors, conservation-minded citizens from the United States and beyond, and faculty from Cornell and other universities.

Rewards and Benefits

Position Summary

While position responsibilities vary, all people leaders are expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by being trustworthy; respecting all individuals; being flexible; supporting work/life integration as well as healthy boundaries; inviting new ideas, alternatives, and perspectives; speaking up and taking action if others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and recognizing the contributions of others.

With an annual budget more than $49 million, the Lab's business model is unusual in the university context, being based on a diverse set of revenue streams that include private donations from more than 180,000 members, endowment income, annual disbursement from a dedicated 509(a)(3) supporting organization, grants and contracts, and programmatic entrepreneurship. The Lab community is comprised of more than 300 staff and students and is also relatively unusual. In addition to faculty and academic staff, it also includes 210 non-academic staff dedicated to innovative technology development, data analysis, extension programs, media production, scientific communications, membership, and fundraising.

Within this context, the Director of Administration holds a high visibility position with extremely high levels of decision-making impact, oversight responsibility, fiscal management, confidentiality, internal interactivity, and external reporting. The position will serve as a critical link between the Lab and CALS, plus other Cornell communities.

To lead these efforts, we seek an experienced leader and manager who will:

• Oversee the development and management of the Lab's administrative systems and teams. This includes responsibility for administration, facilities, Diversity and Inclusion efforts, and human resources, as well as understanding, aligning, and communicating the Lab's financial strategy.
• Provide high-level leadership for the Lab. Assume responsibility for key initiatives and core functions as assigned by the Executive Director. In the absence of the Executive Director, the post holder will provide guidance and support to all Lab Programs.
• Advise the Executive Director on key issues and assist in setting annual and long-term objectives to meet the Lab's strategic initiatives.
• Be responsible for the overall fiscal and operational health and well-being of the Lab with respect to both day-to-day activities and long-term planning.
• Work collaboratively with the Lab's Center Directors and participate as a member of the Lab's senior management council.
• Maintain a productive bidirectional partnership with the Lab's Administrative Board to forward the mission and vision of the Lab's strategic plan.
• Proactively support the Lab's mission and vision while effectively communicating and collaborating with colleagues in CALS, office of legal counsel, dean's offices, and other university offices.
• Represent the Lab in negotiations and interactions with external contractors and partners.

The Lab is currently developing a new Strategic Plan and undertaking an ambitious fundraising campaign to raise at least $250 million by 2026 with a goal of translating the Lab's preeminence in technology, science, and storytelling into conservation impact. Therefore, the Lab is currently in an expansion phase, investing in strategically important areas, and developing ways to work more effectively across its programs with colleagues in Cornell and external partners.

This is a full-time position located in the Lab's physical home in the Lab's Imogene Powers Johnson Center for Birds and Biodiversity at Sapsucker Woods, Ithaca, NY reporting to the Lab's Executive Director with a dotted line to the CALS Associate Dean of Finance and Administration.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree, MBA, or equivalent formal training in business administration or related field, and 7 to 10 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination.
• Proven leadership, including leading multi-disciplinary teams of individuals with a large scope of responsibilities. Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
• Action oriented, entrepreneurial, flexible, and have an innovative approach to operational management.
• Able to work quickly, effectively under pressure, use judgment in accomplishing tasks that are urgent or of a sensitive or confidential nature; balance conflicting priorities, and make decisions from a range of choices. Comfortable working in an environment where change in process/procedures is the norm.
• Ability to create strong relationships built on trust, integrity, inclusivity, and diplomatic communication.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Customer service skills and a demonstrated ability to communicate with a broad range of people is essential. Attention to detail and organizational skills are critical.
• Experience with the strategic planning process, including inclusive development of vision, objectives and theories of change, and identifying and monitoring goals.

Commitment to championing and supporting DEIJ values and creating a welcoming and supportive working environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Upper-level management experience or business administration in higher education and/or not-for-profit institutions. Success as an inspirational leader who has successfully motivated staff to achieve and sustain excellence.
• High energy, humility, integrity, positive attitude, forward thinking, creative individual with high ethical standards. Outstanding leadership and visionary qualities and the ability to work effectively with and through others.
• Well organized and self-directed; politically savvy and a team player.
• Experience communicating with advisory Boards, including fundraising campaigns and financial investment management and tracking.
• Proficient in use of Cornell administrative computer systems such as KFS, Workday, Web Financials, Longview, Agile, Maximo R&B.
• Working knowledge of 509(a)(3) supporting organizations.
• Working knowledge of human resources policies.
• Experience working with partner institutions and organizations. Familiarity with biodiversity sciences, educational outreach, and/or information technology strategies or have a strong interest in the core values, mission and vision of the Lab.
• Working knowledge of oversight of infrastructure and operations.

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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

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EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, 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. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.