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Cornell University

Conference and Event Services

Student Developer

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Position Summary

Conference and Event Services hosts over 12,000 guests in over 150 conferences during the summer and provides excellent customer service. The Student Developer is responsible for helping to write and test computer programs, including building registration portals, running database reports, and writing custom applications and APIs. The Student Developer position helps the Conference Planners, Student Managers, and Administrative Staff. The Student Developer will work alongside the Department and the Student Service IT teams to maintain and oversee various systems during our summer conference and event business. The Student Developer will also be interlaced with the summer operation, to work as a front desk assistant answering questions and providing concierge support to guests, as well as fulfilling duties for on-call hours during the summer. 

Required Qualifications

  • Current full-time Cornell student and registered for full-time study in fall 2023

  • Ability to multitask and balance conflicting priorities under pressure
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, demanding, dynamic environment
  • Ability to explain technical information and instruction in plain, user-friendly ways
  • Demonstrated initiative and ability to complete short and long-term projects
  • Quick to learn and understand different computer programs and systems quickly
  • Experience setting up and operating audiovisual equipment
  • Demonstrated organizational skills and keen attention to detail

Preferred Technical Qualifications

  • HTML and website development knowledge – Drupal experience a plus
  • Advanced experience with Microsoft Office Suite
  • Ability to create, generate, and manipulate reports – SQL experience a plus
  • Experience with issue logs or project tracking software
  • Ability to build APIs

  • Experience building custom applications - full-stack experience a plus

Responsibilities

Information Management 40%

  • Maintenance of StarRez Housing Database and its associated registration portals
  • Develop forms, layouts, and make enhancements based on planned and impromptu needs.
  • Build custom reports based on department needs
  • Meet regularly with Student Services IT Teams to manage software
  • Meet regularly with department staff to recommend improvements to software and systems

Custom Development 30%

  • Develop custom applications in coordination with Conference Planners and Student Services IT team
  • Build additional functionality into current applications
  • Test applications for web accessibility, usability, and other metrics

Training 20%

  • Train staff members within Conference & Event Services to use StarRez and other applications.
  • Attend weekly meetings to determine what training is needed

Personal Development 5%

  • Learn HTML, StarRez SQL, APIs, and other programs/languages as needed
  • Attend staff orientation and training.
  • Attend weekly staff meetings.

Other 5%

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Factors
Supervision Received:

General supervision from Conference Planners and Administrative Staff.
Supervision Given:

Supervise other students who perform technical support duties.
Decision-Making:

Frequently adapts established procedures to resolve unusual cases, recommends policy and procedural changes within the department.
Accountability: Significant accountability through a scope of impact beyond the University
Contacts: Receive and provide information within the university. Frequently conduct complex business with students and people outside the University.
Working Conditions: Typically lifts 10–25 lbs. Normal visual concentration. Limited exposure to hazards.

Skills for Success — essential skills for individual and organizational success

Adaptability

  • Is flexible, open, and receptive to new ideas and approaches

  • Adapts to changing priorities, situations, and demands

  • Handles multiple tasks and priorities

Communication

  • Demonstrates the ability to express thoughts clearly, both orally and in writing

  • Demonstrates effective listening skills

  • Shares knowledge and information

  • Asks questions

Hospitality-Minded

  • Is approachable and accessible to others

  • Reaches out to be helpful in a timely and responsive manner

  • Strives to satisfy internal and external customers

  • Is diplomatic, courteous, and welcoming

Inclusiveness
  • Shows respect for differences in backgrounds, lifestyles, viewpoints, and needs in reference to areas such as ethnicity, race, gender, creed, and sexual orientation
  • Promotes cooperation and a welcoming environment for all
  • Works to understand the perspectives brought by all individuals
Teamwork
  • Builds working relationships to solve problems and achieve common goals
  • Demonstrates sensitivity to the needs of others
  • Offers assistance, support, and feedback to others
Motivation
  • Shows initiative, anticipates needs, and takes actions
  • Engages in problem-solving; demonstrates innovation and creativity
  • Suggests ways to improve and be more efficient
  • Strives to achieve individual, unit, and university goals
Self-Development
  • Enhances personal knowledge, skills, and abilities
  • Anticipates and adapts to technological advances and other changes as needed
  • Seeks and acts upon performance feedback
Stewardship
  • Demonstrates accountability in all work responsibilities
  • Exercises sound and ethical judgment
  • Shows commitment to work and to consequences of own actions