Job detail for Assistant Director, Rawlings Cornell Presidential Research Scholars and Fellowships

The Office of National Fellowships offers holistic advising to guide and support undergraduates and early alumni in the process of identifying and applying for funding sources for summer internships, graduate study, research, and professional and experiential programs. The Office of National Fellowships is part of Career & Professional Development, which includes University Career Development, part of the Cornell Career Network. These offices, both located in Barnes Hall, work in close partnership to support students, collaborate on initiatives, and share operational resources.

University Career Development is part of Cornell's Division of Student and Campus Life. Our comprehensive services in Barnes Hall are open to all students and alumni, and complement the services offered through career offices in the undergraduate colleges that are tailored to more college-specific academic and career goals. UCD leads the Cornell Career Network at Cornell University. The Cornell Career Network is a collaborative, campus-wide ecosystem that provides the resources and support to help students explore their options, refine their vision, and build the skills and connections to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Student and 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.

The Assistant Director of Rawlings Cornell Presidential Research Scholars and National Fellowships will provide programmatic support for national fellowships and the Rawlings program, through direct student advising and program management. National fellowships are administered by foundations that offer scholarships, research and experiential opportunities to undergraduate and recent alumni. The successful candidate will become the primary fellowships advisor for a number STEM-focused awards including Goldwater, Hertz, SMART, and NSF REU’s and will develop and curate resources to those pursuing external STEM research opportunities, including NSF-GRFP. The Cornell Rawlings Presidential Research Scholars (RCPRS) program provides financial support, personal growth, and professional development to 200 undergraduate students through faculty-mentored research. This role plans and coordinates events for the RCPRS program, provides student advising and support, leads new student and upper-class selection and orientation, and routinely collaborates with affiliated offices (i.e., academic units, Financial Aid, Undergraduate Admissions, etc.), in particular faculty and deans of undergraduate research in the various programs and colleges, to ensure full support for participants in the program. This role will also provide programmatic support for the Summer Experience Grant program during the awarding phase.

Key include:

• Advise students on national fellowships and RCPRS processes.
• Cultivate a network of faculty to support Rawlings Scholars.
• Support efforts to raise awareness for national fellowships.
• Provide RCPRS program implementation support and logistics.
• Contribute to communications and marketing strategies for fellowships and RCPRS.
• Support program evaluation and reporting efforts.

This role requires ongoing communication and outreach with staff who work closely with high-achieving students to ensure timely referrals to fellowships and support for Rawlings Scholars.

Success Factors

• Strong commitment to working with highly engaged students.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills and ability to handle confidential information with integrity.
• Flexibility to adapt and improve services, processes, and programs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects with firm deadlines.
• Collaborative mindset with a commitment to team and office goals and mission.
• Dedication to developing and maintaining expertise in nationally competitive fellowships and application processes.
• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic, capable of working independently and within a team setting.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to taking initiative.

While position 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.

Applications will be reviewed on 09/28/2026. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 to 4 years related experience advising undergraduate students.
• Ability to manage a complex program from start to finish with minimal supervision.
• Proficient in Microsoft suite, Google tools, Canva, Qualtrics, Salesforce, Zoom, Adobe suite, database and online application management.
• Able to work effectively in range of modalities (virtual and in-person) and competent in technology tools to support application management.
• Skilled and confident writer, who possesses excellent verbal, and interpersonal skills, with emphasis on accuracy, attention to detail, and the ability to convey information using a high degree of reasoning and keen analysis.
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative partnerships with faculty and staff across the institution, demonstrated through prior experience or a strong capacity and willingness to learn.
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Ability to advocate for individuals from a broad range of backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s in higher education, human development or related field and experience with college students as well as research experience.
• Experience working in fellowships, career, academic or study abroad advising.
• Experience managing large and complex programs.

University Job Title:

Student Career Development Associate II

Job Family:

Student Services

Level:

F

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Pay Range:

$72,209.00 - $77,625.00

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

Company:

Endowed

Contact Name:

Caleb Yu

Contact Email:

ry274@cornell.edu

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

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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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2026-09-08