Assistant Director, Admissions and Student Engagement

Assistant Director, Ma Program

Reporting to the Director of the MA Program and the Chair of the Statistics Department, the Assistant Director oversees a broad range of student-facing responsibilities for the MA in Statistics program. The role focuses on managing day-to-day communication and engagement initiatives, including organizing events, virtual information sessions, and student representative activities that enhance the overall student experience. In addition to engagement, the Assistant Director supports the MA admissions process and scholarship coordination, particularly during the spring semester in preparation for the incoming fall cohort.

Working closely with the Faculty Director of the MA Program, the Director of MA Admissions, faculty advisors, and departmental administrators, the Assistant Director ensures prospective and current students receive timely information on admissions, academic timelines, registration policies, career resources, and networking opportunities. The role also collaborates with the Associate Director of Professional Development and Industry Relations to support recruitment efforts and with the Assistant Director of Academic Affairs to coordinate program information sessions and provide administrative support throughout the admissions cycle.

The Department of Statistics at Columbia University is one of the oldest statistics departments in the US. The Department consists of 40 faculty members, over 670 graduate students, and more than 100 undergraduate majors and minors. The department has been expanding rapidly and is an extraordinarily vibrant academic community.

Responsibilities

Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for MA students, faculty advisers, BA / M students, and graduates, including electronic folders and databases.

Support all phases of the MA admissions cycle by prescreening applications to ensure accuracy and completeness, maintaining updated applicant and admit lists, and coordinating with faculty and the admissions team to ensure a smooth review process.

Draft and manage communications to applicants and admitted students, including decision notifications, onboarding materials, and pre-arrival information, ensuring timely and consistent messaging throughout the cycle.

Hold regular office hours to meet with MA students, serving as the primary point of contact for questions and guidance related to program operations, student life, and general support (excluding academic advising)

Oversee scholarship processing and award notifications and plan summer engagement activities such as virtual orientations and community-building events to support a seamless transition for incoming students.

Assist in managing tasks for Higher Education Interns who work for the MA program.

Organize and run MA Program newsletters for different student cohorts (including incoming students), with important reminders and updates.

Provide important information about registration and important deadlines for MA Students.

Manage the MA programs primary email account and respond to student inquiries in collaboration with faculty directors, departmental administrators, and University offices such as GSAS and ISSO.

Maintain an accurate and up-to-date MA program website, ensuring clear and accessible information for current and prospective students.

Select, mentor, and meet regularly with MA student representatives to foster communication, gather feedback, and enhance student engagement across cohorts.

Plan and coordinate student-centered eventsincluding orientations, social hours, practitioner seminars, faculty lunches, study breaks, and annual celebrationsto build community and support program visibility.

Develop and maintain a comprehensive calendar of student engagement initiatives, career coaching sessions, and feedback opportunities, ensuring a cohesive and supportive student experience.

Provide flexible support for the evolving needs and priorities of the MA program, assisting with new initiatives, processes, and projects as the program continues to grow and develop.

Track and analyze key metrics and performance data related to admissions, student engagement, and program outcomes to inform decision-making and support continuous improvement of the MA program.

Collaborate with departmental and University partners to advance program goals.

Be available to attend and support social and departmental events, representing the MA Admissions and Engagement team as needed and serving as a backup for team members during key program activities and functions.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelors degree and minimum 2 years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, such as in student services, admissions, career services, or corporate relations.

Strong knowledge of and experience in student engagement and / or admissions processes in higher education.

Experience working with international students in a higher education or professional setting.

Other Requirements

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage, support, and motivate a diverse student population.

Proven interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within a team-oriented environment.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and other productivity tools; comfort with learning new technologies and systems.

Adaptable and growth-minded, with a willingness to evolve skills and responsibilities in response to the organizations needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.