Program Manager, Global Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP)

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $70,000-$80,000

Position Summary

The Global Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP) Program Manager reports to the Executive Director of Academic Affairs and serves as the liaison to the Directors of Academic Administration and Finance, the Undergraduate Program Managers in the Departments of Political Science and Economics, and other Arts and Sciences (A&S) departments, as needed.

Under general supervision, the GAPP Program Manager administers academic processes and supports the SIPA Faculty Committee on Undergraduate Education and the joint Faculty Committees on Curriculum Coordination to promote academic coherence, minimize curricular duplication, and strengthen curricular offerings across participating programs. The position exercises independent judgment within established academic policies and procedures to evaluate curricular and program administration issues, assess alternatives, and develop recommendations for faculty and administrative review.

The GAPP Program Manager develops collaborative relationships with key stakeholders across SIPA, the Departments of Economics and Political Science, Arts and Sciences, and other University partners to support effective program administration and student success.

Responsibilities

Academic Planning and Curriculum Management:

• Coordinate course scheduling, curricular planning, and related academic administration for the GAPP program in collaboration with SIPA, Political Science, and Economics.  Exercise independent judgment to assess scheduling and curricular needs, identify conflicts or gaps, evaluate potential impacts, and develop and implement recommendations.   
• Maintain curriculum maps and monitor GAPP requirements, course offerings, cross-listed courses, and curricular overlap to support academic planning and coordination across departments and SIPA units.          
• Administer the review process for transfer credit, non-GAPP courses proposed toward major requirements, course substitutions, and related curricular requests.
• Review requests for completeness and alignment with established academic requirements, assess relevant documentation, identify issues requiring further consideration, and coordinate faculty or administrative review as appropriate.    Communicate decisions to students and relevant offices and maintain accurate records of approvals and precedents.
• Develop and maintain tracking systems and procedural guidance for course approvals and substitutions. Monitor submission status and outcomes, identify recurring issues or process gaps, and recommend improvements to support consistent and efficient administration of academic requirements.                       
• Maintain accurate program records of approvals, precedents, policies, procedures, and curriculum documentation, etc.    
• Manage GAPP documentation and files including academic policy guide.
• Compile and analyze enrollment, curricular, course approval, and other program data to identify trends, issues, and opportunities related to program operations and academic planning. Prepare reports, analyses, and other materials to inform faculty and administrative planning and decision-making.

Student Affairs and Communications:

• Partner with the departments of Economics, Political Science and the SIPA Office of Student Affairs to ensure students receive accurate and consistent information regarding GAPP requirements, prerequisites, cross-registration, transfer credit, major declaration, and related policies.    
• Maintain and coordinate student-facing program information across the Undergraduate Bulletin, websites, course listings, planning materials, email communications, and other channels.
• Develop communications and outreach for prospective and current GAPP students, including students considering or declaring the major.
• Manage the GAPP major declaration and lottery process, including timelines, eligibility requirements, student communications, and related records. Evaluate submissions for completeness and eligibility, apply established procedures consistently, identify issues requiring review, and coordinate resolution with the appropriate faculty or administrative stakeholders.
• Manage the GAPP program email account, respond to routine inquiries, and direct students to appropriate advising, faculty, or administrative resources.
• In partnership with the Political Science, Economics, and SIPA key stakeholders, plan, coordinate, and evaluate joint academic, professional development, co-curricular, and community-building programs and events that enhance the undergraduate student experience.

Program Operations:

• Manage the day-to-day administrative operations of the GAPP program, including program calendars, documentation, files, policy guides, procedures, and tracking systems. Monitor operational workflows and deadlines to ensure timely completion of program activities and deliverables.
• Coordinate GAPP meetings, advisory board activities, events, and other program logistics, including scheduling, space, technology, materials, and related arrangements. Ensure logistical requirements are addressed and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to support successful program activities.
• Coordinate GAPP-related and 4+1 programming and events and support other undergraduate initiatives as assigned.
• Monitor program deadlines, action items, and cross-unit dependencies and follow up with stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues and ensure timely completion of program deliverables.
• Staff GAPP related meetings, including coordinating room reservations, AV, and refreshments.
• Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent required. Minimum of two years of related experience.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to exercise discretion and collaboration with individuals at all levels.
• Strong prioritization and organization skills.                 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Drive.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in an academic environment, especially academic operations or academic advising.
• Knowledge of university academic systems and procedures.           

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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