Operations Associate

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: 85,000-94,400

Position Summary

The Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment (CCSI) is seeking an Operations Associate to provide mid-level cross-cutting operational support to the Center’s management and research teams, with particular emphasis on supporting the Director and the Director of Organizational Development and Strategy. The Operations Associate will play a key role in ensuring the Center’s smooth functioning, efficient coordination, and effective implementation of its strategic goals and programmatic activities.

The ideal candidate will be exceptionally detail-oriented, proactive, flexible, and solutions-oriented, with strong organizational and communication skills, and a capacity to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Prior professional experience in operational support is required, and the incumbent will be expected to advance tasks with minimal support and guidance.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct operational and administrative support to the Center’s Director and the Director of Organizational Development and Strategy, to ensure effective communication and timely implementation of priorities. Manage tasks independently and proactively, allowing the Director and the Director of Organizational Development and Strategy to rely on needs being met efficiently, to standard, and without additional intervention.
• Track and support timely follow-up from high-level engagements, including meetings with funders and partners. Prioritize tasks effectively and ensure important items are advancing in a timely manner.
• Support grant administration and tracking, including grant proposal preparation, documentation, deliverables, and reporting to sponsors. Independently coordinate inputs from all relevant staff so that interim and final deadlines are met.    
• Support the development, dissemination, and maintenance of Center-wide policies and practices related to operations, communications, and knowledge management. Contribute to process refinements over time, with an eye to increasing efficiency and minimizing time required of other staff.
• Draft and edit correspondence, briefings, and other materials on behalf of the Director and senior staff, ensuring consistency, professionalism, and a high standard of work
• Provide research, analytical, or organizational support for special initiatives of the Director or the management team, as needed and with minimal guidance.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and contribute ideas for strengthening Center-wide coordination and impact, including incorporating AI or other tech tools effectively. Opportunities might include identifying new tools, systems, or processes to achieve these outcomes.  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent.
• Minimum of 2 - 4 years related experience.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines with efficiency and discretion. 
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate needs, solve problems proactively, and work effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment. 
• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively across diverse teams. 
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and handle confidential information. 
• Interest in sustainable development, global affairs, or related fields. 

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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