Director, Academic Administration & Finance, Statistics

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Chair of the Department of Statistics, the Director of Academic Administration and Finance (DAAF) is responsible for organizing and planning the day-to-day academic and administrative activities of the department, including financial management, personnel management, space allocation, and providing student and faculty services. The DAAF assumes overall responsibility for the department's administrative budget and supervision of the instructional budget. In addition, the incumbent assumes overall responsibility for oversight of all projects in the department, including the department's gift accounts and grants and accounts connected with any special programs. The incumbent works closely with the EVP A&S Office and partners with other offices throughout the University.

The Department of Statistics at Columbia University is an intellectually vibrant and interdisciplinary hub, committed to pioneering research, rigorous training, and broad impact across theory, methodology, and application. The department hosts world-class faculty and students working in probability, statistical theory, computational methods, data science, and interdisciplinary domains, supported by a range of centers, including the Applied Statistics Center and the Center for Applied Probability. The programs, spanning undergraduate, master's, and PhD levels, are designed for flexibility, rigor, and real-world relevance, equipping graduates to pursue careers in academia, industry, and beyond.

Responsibilities

Finance & Operations

• Develop and deliver financial planning and forecasting by capturing and analyzing data to guide departmental decision-making; provide budgetary analysis and modeling to anticipate future financial needs and resources.
• Oversee and manage the department's financial operations, including planning and accounting practices, financial reporting and control systems, expense monitoring, and ensuring compliance with university and affiliate policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Manage the department's budget and assume overall responsibility for the department's administrative budget, including gift projects, discretionary projects, and pre- & post-award grants and projects associated with special programs.
• Perform monthly project reconciliations to ensure accuracy and prevent overdrafts; manage the budget submission process, prepare financial reports as needed, recommend appropriate spending levels, and resolve financial issues.
• Provide guidance and direction to the finance team and collaborate with the EVP A&S Office to complete all year-end transactions for the department.
• Collaborate with university offices and departments to oversee logistics for the smooth operation of the department, including facility needs, maintenance, repair, and minor construction as needed.

Academic Administration

• Assist the Chair in reviewing curricular planning, curriculum proposal, faculty teaching schedules, class times, and room assignments. Engage in planning new program initiatives and direct their implementation.
• Partner with the Director of the Master's (MA) Program to support program administration, including budget oversight, student services, curricular planning, faculty assignments, and coordination of special initiatives to ensure the program's continued growth and success.

Human Resources

• Provide leadership in administrative affairs, including coaching supervisors, counseling employees, and providing forums for communication and conflict resolution as needed.
• Oversee the hiring, training, and supervision of departmental staff, and collaborate with EVP A&S offices to manage documentation and administer all faculty, staff, and student appointments. Partner with the EVP A&S Office to provide training and recommend employee development initiatives as needed.
• Oversee the administrative and human resources functions for the department, including assisting the Chair in determining staffing needs, making recommendations, and addressing employee concerns.
• Collaborate with the Chair and the Academic Planning Office to complete faculty searches, tenure and academic research appointments, and other academic administrative actions. Oversees the adjunct faculty appointment processing, ensuring timely submission and processing.
• Manage the hiring, onboarding, and assignment of Student Officers for all classes.
• Manage all international hiring processes, working closely with the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) on visas, renewals, housing, and related documentation, while also providing faculty support with immigration processing.
• Partner with A&S HR on addressing employee relations matters and professional development. Foster a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture across the Department of Statistics.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of five years of related experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of PeopleSoft or similar enterprise HRIS, Microsoft Office, and relational databases.
• Experience working in a large matrixed organization.

Other Requirements

• Demonstrated strong financial acumen with the ability to analyze complex budgets, interpret financial data, and provide strategic recommendations to support informed decision-making.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain high confidentiality and professionalism with a client focus.
• Strong multi-tasking, prioritization, and organization skills.
• Attention to detail, research, critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Self-starter, a fast learner who can work independently under limited supervision.
• Work well in an interactive team environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.