Assistant Director, Operations and Administration - Student Affairs

• Job Type : Officer of Administration
• Regular / Temporary : Regular
• Hours Per Week : 35
• Salary Range : $70,000 - $85,000

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

The School of Professional Studies serves over 12,000 students enrolled in numerous programs ranging from Master's degrees to Postbaccalaureate Studies, summer high school students, to visiting undergrads, to visiting international English language students enrolled in the American Language Program, to professionals pursuing certificates or executive Master's degrees.

Reporting to the Senior Associate Dean, Student Affairs the Assistant Director will act as a liaison with the University community, interfacing with stakeholders including senior staff, faculty, and students.

This individual will work directly with the Senior Associate Dean to successfully manage and executive initiatives related to Student Affairs.

Responsibilities

Operations

• Ensure the proper planning, measuring, and monitoring of ongoing operations across Student Affairs. Responsible for the development of recommendations and metrics to enhance the student experience.
• Support various aspects of operations for SPS enrichment programs such as the HBCU Fellowship Program and Career Catalyst Internship Program.
• Manage the Student Affairs budget and ensure the timely submission of expense reports, and budget allocation submissions.
• Maintain listserv access and monitors communication effectiveness across Student Affairs.
• Establish annual team meetings, contact information, and communication calendars for Student Affairs.

Administrative Support

• Manage all critical aspects and deliverables for the Senior Associate Dean, including but not limited to complex schedule management, domestic and international travel management, and speaking engagements meeting and conference management, using sound judgment in determining priorities.
• Plan, coordinate, and ensure that the Senior Associate Dean schedule is followed and respected. Provide "gatekeeper" and "gateway" role.
• Identify and develop systems to facilitate the smooth functioning of the office. Build relationships and partner closely with the other Dean's Office Staff to ensure the effective functioning of the Leadership team and to create and facilitate an office environment that is sensitive and responsive to the University's varied constituencies.
• Work independently on multiple projects with competing priorities as well as perform daily tasks with confidentiality and the utmost discretion.

Prioritize conflicting needs; handle matters expeditiously, proactively, and follow through on projects to successful completion, often with deadline pressures.

• Draft and initiate correspondence and manage various aspects of the Senior Associate Dean expenses related to SPS. Resolve problems independently, and ensure correspondence is completed timely.
• Plan, implement, and coordinate meetings and events as assigned, working closely with internal and external stakeholders and vendors.

Gather resource information for meetings and prepare briefs, agendas, meeting materials, minutes, and related correspondence.

• Interface with senior administrators of the University and members of the SPS community on a consistent basis. Build productive relationships with key stakeholders and represent SPS by working directly with the offices of high-level constituents.
• May be responsible for supervising the work of one (1) or more employees.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned or requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and / or equivalent related experience required.
• Minimum of three years of related experience.
• A resume and cover letter with salary requirements must be submitted for the applicant to be considered for the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Administrative experience in client-centered environments, along with some experience in the provision of student services and / or program administration strongly preferred.
• Experience working with international student populations.
• Proven ability to plan and successfully execute meetings and events.

Additional Position-Specific Minimum Qualifications Required :

• Ability to work with multiple stakeholder groups, in a fast-paced collaborative environment.
• Ability to take initiative and manage a variety of tasks and projects simultaneously, with impeccable attention to detail.
• Ability to anticipate schedule demands, make quick decisions, and act with poise under pressure.
• Attention to detail necessary.
• Track record of handling sensitive information with the highest level of professionalism, confidentiality, and tact.
• Strong interpersonal skills; proven capacity to communicate verbally and in writing at a sophisticated level.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain a professional, collaborative, and spirited environment.
• Ability to complete complex assignments quickly and with a high degree of quality and accuracy, respond with appropriate urgency to situations that arise and solve difficult problems proactively and efficiently.
• Must have strong communication skills and a yes attitude.
• Occasional evening and weekend work required.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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