Student & Campus Life (SCL) inspires transformation in all Cornell students on their journey of individual, academic and personal evolution. Our division is comprised of leading student affairs experts who support our campus on pressing student life matters including public service, health, wellbeing, connection and belonging, residential living, food services, sports, recreation, career services, and student activities and organizations including sorority and fraternity life. We provide support and services to roughly 25,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students on multiple campuses in the U.S. and abroad.

As a part of the Campus Life Enterprise group, the Conference and Event Services (CES) supports the planning and execution of high-volume conferences and special on-campus events, ranging from small meetings to large university-wide events. This team is driven by a passion for attention to detail, providing an excellent guest and user experience, and working collaboratively with a very broad range of university constituents to ensure operational coordination and delivery.

As a part of the larger CLES unit, and reporting to the Executive Director of Conference and Event Services, the University Events team supports the management, planning and execution of special on-campus events, ranging from small meetings to large university-wide events. This team is driven by a passion for attention to details, providing an excellent guest and user experience, and working collaboratively with a very broad range of university constituents to ensure operational coordination and delivery.

Reporting to the Associate Director of University Special Events, the SCL Special Event Planner will provide support to large-scale and high-profile university events sponsored by students organizations, university departments, and/or community organizations as well as serve as is a critical point-of-contact for coordinating special programs and complex events for the Office of University Events, SCL’s Office of the Vice President and SCL Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D) teams (primarily Athletics) that often involve volunteers, key alumni and major gift donors. This work will include taking the logistical lead on planning, organizing, and executing a large variety of events for the University and SCL that support students, staff, parents/family, alumni, and high-level donors. This includes serving as the primary point of contact for key elements needed to execute a successful event, such as venue reservations, audio/visual needs, photography, food/catering, transportation, room layouts, facility needs, lodging, etc., and is often in place to deliver an overall excellent hospitality experience during events. In collaboration with other university departments and student organizations, this role will also help support, strategize, and prioritize guest engagement opportunities, budget, and programming for each assigned event.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

A successful Event Planner will:

Have a passion for problem-solving and logistics and have a high level of attention to detail with timely coordination to be able to successfully manage multiple ongoing projects, events and priorities in various stages of delivery.
Function with a high level of autonomy and independence and demonstrate a willingness to take initiative and respond appropriately to emerging priorities
Possess a service-minded approach in order to interact collaboratively with a broad range of internal and community stakeholders as well as clients and customers and will leverage those relationships to ensure excellent service delivery to guests, parents, alumni and friends.
Ensure effective communication and discretion while working with sensitive or confidential information.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent; with at least 2 years of related experience or equivalent combination
Demonstrated planning, project management, and organizational skills.
Proficiency with standard office computer applications (Microsoft Office, Internet, Desktop Publishing software).
Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and reliable transportation to effectively attend events. Some additional travel may be required.
Proven experience connecting inclusion, belonging and wellbeing practices to business goals.

Due to the nature of the role, this position must be available to work varied hours, including nights and weekends, and some holidays.

Highly preferred qualifications include:

Additional education or experience
Experience working with Asana, CampusGroups, CVENT, Adobe, as well as event planning software
Certified Meeting Planner a plus
Proven ability to edit and proofread marketing and presentation materials.

University Job Title:

Event/Conference Coord II

Job Family:

Administration

Level:

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Pay Range:

$65,447.00 - $73,849.00

Remote Option Availability:

Hybrid

Company:

Endowed

Contact Name:

Jana English

Contact Email:

jb853@cornell.edu

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 mycareer@cornell.edu.

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 accommodations@cornell.edu.

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 mycareer@cornell.edu.

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.

2026-08-12

Cornell University

Latest Openings

SCL Special Event Planner