The College of Veterinary Medicine seeks a PMDS Department Manager and AHDC Director of Operations and Business to provide strategic and operational leadership for the Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences (PMDS) and the Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC), a combined enterprise with an annual budget of nearly $50M and more than 300 employees across academic and service missions.
This is a pivotal leadership opportunity to influence financial sustainability, operational innovation, and strategic alignment across two mission-critical Cornell entities. Reporting to the Department Chair and the Executive Director of the Animal Health Diagnostic Center, you’ll have a direct hand in ensuring that world-class science, teaching, and service are powered by world-class business practices. You’ll guide teams toward operational efficiency, streamlined processes, and data-informed decision-making, and adapt to the differing needs of the academic and enterprise units and leverage limited resources to meet the needs of both organizations.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and mentor business operations staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Provide strategic and financial leadership, including budget development, forecasting, and long-term planning.
Strengthen operational systems that promote transparency, efficiency, and resource optimization.
Partner with senior leadership on policy, governance, and compliance, aligning operations with institutional goals.
Manage and optimize facilities operations across 125,000+ square feet of space and statewide satellite labs.
Serve as liaison to College, University, and New York State partners, maintaining strong relationships and ensuring funding integrity.
Oversee grants, contracts, and sponsored research administration.
Lead and influence strategic planning initiatives that enhance financial stewardship, workforce development, and service excellence.
What You Bring: Minimum Qualification
A master’s degree in business, finance, operations or related field, and 5–7 years of senior leadership experience (or equivalent).
Proven success leading complex organizations through financial, operational, and strategic initiatives.
Strong analytical, forecasting, and data-driven decision-making skills.
Experience navigating external funding, compliance, and multi-stakeholder environments.
Exceptional communication and relationship-building abilities, with skill in influencing across academic and administrative settings.
Demonstrates strong leadership capabilities with a proven track record of building, developing, and motivating a team through clear direction, coaching, and fostering an inclusive environment that promotes growth and collaboration.
Demonstrated success in managing and implementing change.
A leadership philosophy grounded in inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing and the ability to connect those values to operational success.
Preferred qualifications:
Cornell or Higher-ed leadership experience and familiarity with systems and policies.
Please note that we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and the last date to apply is 19th November, 2025.
The Following Documents are Required to be Submitted with your Application
Resume
Cover Letter: Please include a cover letter describing how your experience aligns with the leadership, operational, and strategic priorities of this role. Highlight examples of how you’ve advanced efficiency, financial stewardship, and collaboration in complex organizations.
Important Details about the Position
This is an onsite position located in Ithaca, NY.
We are unable to provide Visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for this position.
Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.
What We Offer:
Great benefits! Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
3 weeks of paid vacation
13 additional holiday days with 2 additional floating holidays to be used at your discretion
An award-winning employer provided benefits program
Comprehensive health care options
Access to wellness programs
Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
Generous retirement contributions
Impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, Tuition Aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance program
Follow this link for more information: https://hr.cornell.edu/understand-your-benefits
Employees are expected to meet all of the Cornell University Staff Skills for Success, which are essential for individual and organizational success.
Who are we
The Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC) is a high-visibility and high-volume veterinary diagnostic laboratory that promotes the health, productivity, and welfare of food-and fiber-producing animals, companion animals, and zoo and wildlife populations. Through its comprehensive veterinary diagnostic services, the AHDC detects animal diseases and supports animal and public health, promotes environmental stewardship, and fosters economic growth. The Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences (PMDS) is the academic home to all veterinary diagnostician faculty and academic staff in the AHDC as well as other disciplines including epidemiology, shelter medicine, ambulatory and production medicine, business and economics, and wildlife health and policy, PMDS has a large and complex roster of faculty with varied primary responsibilities spanning clinical and diagnostic service, research, teaching, and extension support.
University Job Title:
Administrator VI
Job Family:
Administration
Level:
H
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Pay Range:
$150,167.00 - $183,537.00
Remote Option Availability:
Onsite
Company:
Contract College
Contact Name:
Soubhagya Chattopadhyay
Contact Email:
sc2965@cornell.edu
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Unique applicable skills
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2025-11-11