Precollege Studies Program Director

About School of Continuing Education

Cornell University’s School of Continuing Education (SCE) serves as Cornell’s gateway to lifelong learning, providing traditional and non-traditional learners alike with innovative, flexible, and accessible educational opportunities that transform lives, advance careers, and positively impact communities around the world. Dating back to 1876, Cornell SCE designs flexible programs tailored to help individuals achieve academic, personal, and professional success. SCE was described by Cornell President Jacob Gould Schurman in his 1892 report to trustees as an “integral part of the university,” and was one of the first official summer programs offered in the United States.

In partnership with Cornell schools and colleges and with eCornell, SCE offers:
• Summer Session/Winter Session courses for credit on campus, off campus, and online
• Precollege programs for non-degree seeking students
• Part-time study for visiting students, year-round

In addition, SCE is launching a new online part-time bachelor’s degree program for non-traditional students, working closely with Cornell’s Provost, the Vice Provost for External Education, the Senior Vice Provost for Enrollment Management & Undergraduate Education, and an advisory board of Cornell faculty members. The degree will draw heavily upon existing expertise and resources of Cornell faculty and eCornell to ensure a high-quality educational experience.

SCE students include matriculated Cornell students, as well as visiting precollege, undergraduate, and graduate students from around the world; Cornell faculty, staff, and alumni; area residents; working adults and community college graduates; military service members and veterans; incarcerated individuals; students in Indigenous communities; farmworkers, and others with diverse educational backgrounds and paths to higher education.

What You Will Do

The Precollege Studies Program Director will be responsible for the management and operations of Cornell University’s Precollege Studies program. Under the supervision of the Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, undertake program planning, student recruitment and selection, institutional financial aid decisions, student advising, and the coordination of student activities.

Duties will include:

• In collaboration with the Senior Associate Dean, develop and promote program goals, policies, and procedures. Conduct programmatic planning, assessment, and review activities to guide ongoing improvements for meeting the goals of the Precollege Studies program. Advocate for the program and guiding principles within the Cornell community to ensure that they are integrated into overall academic and social programming. 
• Ensure a balanced portfolio of Precollege participation opportunities, including online, residential, and commuter in terms of student numbers and diversity of populations in keeping with the SCE mission.
• Collaborate closely with faculty members, departments, and colleges, the Director shall promote courses that contribute to student recruitment goals of the University, the colleges, and individual departments.
• Administer the admissions decisions and institutional financial aid processes. Set standards to enable the admission of the most promising students; train and supervise seasonal temporary staff to review applications; serve as the final decision-maker regarding applicants. Make institutional financial aid decisions according to criteria set by the associate deans.
• Responsible for regularly reviewing the program’s strategic plan and assessing the effectiveness of the program.

What We Need

We are looking for a team member who is collaborative and is experience in modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.

Additionally, you will: 

• Hold a bachelor’s degree and 3 to 5 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience in related fields.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for faculty, staff, and students, or a strong commitment to do so. 
• Ability to undertake operational tasks in a variety of management systems and platforms, such as Slate and Salesforce.
• Ability to provide effective leadership and motivation in support of collaborative efforts between work teams and Cornell colleges and departments.
• Strong planning and project management skills; ability to balance competing priorities and work well under deadlines; and undertake thorough assessment and quality assurance activities to ensure continual improvement.
• Exhibit excellent analytical and communication skills, including oral/written presentation skills. Strong conceptual skills, attention to detail, and the ability to make effective intellectual arguments to multiple constituencies are essential.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

This full-time position requires on-campus presence during summer operations, which conclude mid-August.  

What We Prefer

There are a few other qualifications that we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, including: 

• Master’s degree.
• Knowledge of Cornell University.
• Experience in higher education continuing education programs.
• Proven success contributing to opportunity programs.

No visa sponsorship or relocation assistance is available for this position. This position is located in Ithaca, NY. The successful applicant will be expected to work on-site based on business needs.

Apply Today

For full consideration for this position, we welcome you to include a cover letter and resume with your application to highlight your interest and experience.

University Job Title:

Student Svc Assoc III

Job Family:

Student Services

Level:

G

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Pay Range:

$84,209.00 - $102,922.00

Remote Option Availability:

Hybrid

Company:

Endowed

Contact Name:

Beth Beach

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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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, andencourage 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 (VEVRRA) 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.

2025-08-14