Studio Director, Cornell Tech (NYC) - Cornell University : Job Details

About Cornell Tech

Cornell Tech is a graduate campus of Cornell University that brings together faculty, students, business leaders, and tech entrepreneurs in a catalytic environment to reinvent the way we live in the digital age.

A hallmark of Cornell Tech is its rapid pace of change and growth, which serve as opportunities to pursue excellence and improvement, not merely scale. We iterate to learn quickly from our activities and to improve our programs and ways of working. Our organizational structure is expected to continue evolving, reflecting our iterative learning process. Cornell Tech aims to serve as a model organization for students, demonstrating the operations of a highly effective, dynamic, information-age organization.

About Studio

Cornell Tech's Studio is the signature differentiator of its eight (8) master's degree programs. All 400+ students participate in a practically oriented, multidisciplinary, team-based curriculum, spanning two semesters. In the Studio, students work in teams to learn and practice user-driven tech industry development, creating prototypes of digital products and services. They engage with end-users, companies, nonprofits, and government agencies to develop solutions to real-world challenges, receiving feedback from peers, faculty, and NYC tech practitioners through various formats including lectures, crits, sprints, and more.

For more information about Cornell Tech, visit tech.cornell.edu. Details about Studio are at tech.cornell.edu/studio.

Position Summary

All community members are expected to foster a culture of inclusion and psychological safety by communicating across differences, collaborating openly, respecting others, and supporting work/life balance. The ideal candidate is entrepreneurial, adaptable, and skilled in relationship development. The role involves occasional evening and weekend work, especially during the academic year.

The Studio Director oversees the Studio's operations, including:

The candidate should demonstrate skills such as building networks, strategic thinking, effective leadership, and managing ambiguity.

Essential Functions Include

Oversee the Studio (30%)

• Develop strategies for operations and program development
• Manage staff, faculty, and volunteers
• Align curriculum with industry needs
• Organize events and support mechanisms
• Scale and evolve the program
• Lead mentorship initiatives and develop communication strategies
• Manage physical and digital Studio resources
• Coordinate major events and evaluate program quality

Relationship Management (35%)

• Develop engagement strategies with organizations and practitioners
• Solicit and evaluate engagement proposals
• Build and maintain diverse industry relationships
• Manage practitioner and organization engagement and recognition events

Program Management (30%)

• Organize external events and student activities
• Participate in selection processes for student teams
• Manage flagship events and awards, including budgeting and judging
• Support student companies and scale programs

Other Responsibilities (5%)

• Contribute to additional projects as needed

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree and 3-5 years of relevant experience or equivalent
• Experience in academic or corporate program coordination and management
• Excellent communication and relationship skills
• Leadership ability and commitment to inclusion and equity
• Technical proficiency with standard and cloud-based tools, including CRM systems

Preferred Qualifications

Additional relevant experience is desirable.

Culture of Inclusion and Community Standards

Inclusion and belonging are core values at Cornell. We foster a welcoming environment where diverse backgrounds and perspectives are valued and supported.

Rewards and Benefits

Competitive salary, generous time off, and comprehensive benefits. Details at Cornell HR.