Assistant Director, Career Pathways – Engineering Office of External Collaboration and Innovation

Cornell University

Cornell University career pathways leader connecting engineering students with employers, research, entrepreneurship, and public service opportunities. Managing co-op programming, partnerships, budgets, and inclusive career initiatives.

Posted 8/5/2026full-timeIthaca • New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $72,209 - $77,625 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in program management, including development, implementation, and evaluation of initiatives that connect engineering education with career opportunities. Proficient in budget management, data analysis, and fostering inclusive relationships within diverse educational environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Program DevelopmentBudget ManagementData AnalysisCommunication SkillsProject Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Program ImplementationEvaluation MethodologiesGrant WritingEvent PlanningMarketing Material Development

Soft Skills

Leadership DevelopmentRelationship BuildingIndependent WorkJudgment in Complex SituationsAdvocacy for Diverse Backgrounds

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationEngineeringSTEM DisciplinesInnovation ProgrammingEntrepreneurship

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as a strategic program leader within Cornell Duffield Engineering’s Corporate and Employer Engagement Team
Conceptualize and execute student-facing initiatives connecting engineering education with career exploration, employer engagement, and innovation experiences
Advance inclusive and equitable programming connecting students’ technical expertise to post-graduate opportunities
Lead the Engineering Co-op Program and develop initiatives supporting industry, entrepreneurship, and public service talent pipelines
Collaborate across the college and university with academic units, faculty, student organizations, career development professionals, and external stakeholders
Build relationships with employers, students, faculty, and campus partners
Manage program development, implementation, evaluation, budgets, grants, events, and reporting
Collect and apply data to assess program effectiveness and make recommendations
Develop marketing materials and reports
Advise student organizations and support leadership development
Facilitate presentations and programs for professional audiences

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree and 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in program management, student services, innovation/entrepreneurship programming, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Demonstrated experience in program development, implementation, and evaluation
Proven ability to manage budgets, including grant obligations and reporting requirements
Strong analytical skills and ability to make data-driven recommendations
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Experience developing marketing materials and reports
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and exercise sound judgment in complex situations
Proficiency in project management and organizational systems
Ability to advocate for individuals from a broad range of backgrounds
Ability to cultivate inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members
Experience in higher education, engineering, or STEM disciplines is a bonus
Background in innovation, entrepreneurship, technology transfer, or commercialization programs is a bonus
Knowledge of cooperative education programs and industry partnerships is a bonus
Experience with student organization advising and leadership development is a bonus
Grant writing experience and familiarity with external funding sources is a bonus
Experience with event planning and competition management is a bonus
Understanding of intellectual property and technology commercialization processes is a bonus
Familiarity with assessment and evaluation methodologies for educational programs is a bonus
Cover letter and resume are required for consideration
Must be available for occasional weekend and evening work
No visa sponsorship is available

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive health care options
Generous retirement contributions
Wellness programs
Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
Three weeks of vacation
13 holidays
Two additional floating holidays
Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program
Tuition aid for external education
Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program
Employee wellness programs and workshops
Childcare and adoption assistance
Parental leave
Flexible work options
Remote work flexibility 1 day per week