Administrative Office Coordinator

About The School of Operations Research and Information Engineering

The School of Operations Research and Information Engineering (ORIE), within Cornell Duffield Engineering, is consistently placed among a handful of leading Operations Research programs worldwide. Cornell's program in Operations Research and Information Engineering is a rigorous program with approximately 200 undergraduates, 125 Master of Engineering students, and 60 Ph.D. students. ORIE focuses on fundamental principles and methods but also uses contextual learning and design experiences to integrate science with engineering.

The Opportunity

Are you a highly organized professional who enjoys creating exceptional experiences for others, coordinating complex operations, and building strong relationships across a diverse community? The School of Operations Research and Information Engineering (ORIE) is seeking an Administrative Office Coordinator to serve as the central hub of our department's daily operations and events.

In this highly visible role, you will be the welcoming face of the department and a trusted partner to faculty, students, staff, alumni, visitors, and external vendors. You will help create an environment where people feel supported, informed, and connected while ensuring the smooth functioning of office operations, academic events, and departmental programs.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic academic environment, enjoys balancing multiple priorities, and finds satisfaction in making systems, processes, and events run seamlessly.

What You'll Do

Office Coordination:

• Create a welcoming, professional, and inclusive environment for all visitors and community members.
• Coordinate front-office operations and serve as a key resource for faculty, staff, students, and guests.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise student employees who support office operations.
• Manage conference room and departmental space reservations.
• Coordinate office supply procurement, shipping, mail distribution, and equipment management.
• Serve as a liaison with service providers and vendors.
• Assist with basic audiovisual troubleshooting and office technology support.
• Maintain shared departmental spaces to ensure they remain organized, functional, and welcoming.

Support & Coordinate High-Impact Department Events:

• Commencement celebrations
• Faculty candidate visits
• Research workshops and conferences
• Undergraduate and graduate student programming
• Orientations, networking events, and departmental gatherings

Responsibilities include coordinating venues, travel, catering, lodging, budgets, communications, reimbursements, and logistics while ensuring events are executed successfully and within budget.

Support ORIE's Seminar and Colloquium Programs:

• Scheduling speakers and managing travel arrangements
• Coordinating meeting schedules and event logistics
• Supporting virtual and in-person presentations
• Assisting with advertising and communications
• Processing payments and reimbursements
• Tracking budgets and preparing post-event reports

Contribute to Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve processes and operational efficiency.
• Participate in special projects and departmental initiatives.
• Maintain compliance with university policies and procedures.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and training opportunities.

Success Factors:

• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Sound judgment and discretion
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfort working independently while collaborating across teams
• Ability to build positive relationships with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences
• Experience coordinating events, managing logistics, or supporting administrative operations is highly valued

Your contributions will be visible, meaningful, and essential to the succe