Configuration Specialist x2 (CEMI)

About Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) at Cornell

HR Information Systems supports the strategic goals of Human Resources by delivering technical solutions through Workday, Cornell's human capital management system. We partner with campus stakeholders to provide system expertise, customer engagement, project management, and operational support that enable timely and effective delivery of HR services.

The Opportunity

As a business process configuration analyst for Workday, you will provide essential support in system configuration and ongoing maintenance. Your role will involve developing expertise to assist HRIS team members and university colleagues effectively. You will also be responsible for investigating configuration issues, identifying errors, and offering recommendations for resolution, all while working under the guidance of senior team members.

Assist in the creation, testing, documentation, and upkeep of business process configurations. Address configuration-related issues, assess their implications, and implement approved modifications. When necessary, escalate complex or significant problems to the Configuration Team Lead. Additionally, contribute to data integrity initiatives and adhere to established data validation protocols.

Engage in testing activities associated with system updates, enhancements, and new features. Support the triage of issues and assist in addressing urgent concerns regarding system functionality, ensuring that senior team members and the Configuration Team Lead are kept informed as necessary. Contribute configuration insights to aid in the development of training materials, user guidance, integrations, and data delivery processes.

These positions support Cornell's ongoing CEMI initiative, a university-wide effort focused on modernizing and improving HR, payroll, and administrative systems and processes across the institution. The Configuration Specialists will help support operational Workday configuration work and day-to-day HRIS production support while members of the broader team continue to focus on major CEMI project initiatives.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in gaining deeper experience in HR systems, business process configuration, enterprise operations, and cross-functional collaboration within a large and complex organization.

Learn more about the CEMI initiative here: Cornell CEMI Initiative.

This is a 2-year term appointment which may be ended or extended based on organizational needs, funding availability, and performance.

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.

Hours and Location

The Configuration Specialist is a full-time, 40-hour per week, role that can be performed remotely. Cornell University HRIS operates on Eastern Time hours, and team collaboration typically occurs Monday through Friday between 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM ET. There is flexibility in start and end times outside of core collaboration hours, based on operational needs and supervisor approval.

Success Factors

You will be considered competitive for this role if you demonstrate:

• Strong customer service, communication, and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues and customers across all levels of the university while contributing positively to a team-oriented environment.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, including the ability to understand complex business processes, troubleshoot configuration or data-related issues, and recognize how changes impact connected systems, workflows, and reporting.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities, interruptions, and deadlines while maintaining strong attention to detail, sound judgment, confidentiality, and consistent follow-through in a fast-paced operational setting.
• Initiative, adaptability, and curiosity, including a willingness to learn complex systems and processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and contribute ideas that strengthen operations and customer experience.

What We Need

• A cover letter and resume outlining your interest and how your experience and goals align with the potential for mutual success in the role are required for consideration.
• Bachelor's degree or 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Must be able to prioritize multiple concurrent responsibilities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to be both a team player and work independently.
• Ability to adapt easily to changing priorities.
• Project a professional image.
• Proven track record with handling confidential data professionally.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

If you have all those things, great! We have a few more things that we would prefer you to have, but it's ok if you don't.

• Information technology coursework or related experience.

Rewards and Benefits

• This position is based in Ithaca, New York, however, the successful applicant may perform this role remotely anywhere within the United States. Employees who work remotely may receive multiple W-2 Forms depending on their work location.
• The New York Convenience of employer guidelines require New York State individual tax reporting and withholding for this position. Additional individual state income tax filings may also be required if working temporarily outside of New York State.
• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.
• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell
• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell
• Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell:Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Cornell is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, visit hr.cornell.edu/eeo.

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