Senior Associate Director for Student Support

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $85,000 - $100,000

Position Summary

University Life is a central division that supports all Columbia students by fostering an inclusive, connected University community across Columbia’s 17 schools and all campuses. We serve as a hub for student engagement, cross-school collaboration, and coordinated University-wide initiatives that strengthen the student experience. Our work is grounded in building trusted relationships across the institution so that students can access the resources, opportunities, and support systems they need to succeed.

We advance student well-being, belonging, and personal development through programs, policies, and partnerships that encourage connection, leadership, and dialogue across diverse experiences and perspectives. Guided by our core values of connection, integrity, respect, service, and continuous learning, we are committed to creating environments where students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered throughout their academic journey.

Through close collaboration with students, faculty, and staff, University Life champions a Columbia defined by inclusion, community citizenship, and holistic support; one where every student can participate fully in campus life and contribute meaningfully to our shared University community.

The Center for Student Success & Intervention (CSSI) provides a comprehensive, 360° model integrating Student Conduct, Student Support Management, and Operations/Training. CSSI partners with all Columbia schools to triage referrals, provide clear process guidance, and remove barriers to student persistence through basic-needs support and developmentally focused interventions. Grounded in evidence-based practice and its core values of student success, integrity, accountability, and community engagement, CSSI upholds community standards while advancing equitable student outcomes.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Student Success and Intervention, the incumbent partners closely with the Center’s team, schools, and campus partners to support a 360 comprehensive review of student behavior to best support students managing complex situations.  Utilize a trauma-informed lens and equity-based framework to assist students in accessing resources and solutions essential for increasing their academic success, well-being, and persistence towards graduation. In partnership with all of Columbia’s schools, the Senior Associate Director for Student Support will serve as a point of contact for students and other members of the University community to support students in distress and needing connection to University resources. 

The Senior Associate Director plays an instrumental role and serves as a member of the CSSI senior leadership team, supervising the Student Support Managers and interns.  The incumbent serves as the primary administrative support for students returning from leaves of absence and suspensions, supporting the students in distress, and partnering with students from various communities. The Senior Associate Director connects students to resources that are integral to their academic success, as well as develops programs, resources, and training. 

The Senior Associate Director collaborates with many colleagues and offices on campus including, Deans of Students, the University Title IX Coordinator, Office of Institutional Equity, Residential Life, Columbia Residential, Undergraduate Housing Services, Academic Affairs, Counseling and Psychological Services, Columbia Health, Sexual Violence Response, Ombuds Office, Parent and Family Programs, Columbia University Athletics, and Community Development.

Responsibilities

Supervision: 

• Supervise the Student Support Team and interns.

• Oversee and implement training, professional development, and performance appraisals. 

• Provide oversight in the implementation of best practices in Student Support management and assessment measures

• Ensure appropriate and timely documented student information, including file updates, referrals, and accommodations, in the Maxient database.

Case Management: 

• Serve as the primary administrator for students returning from leaves of absence and suspensions across the University, providing comprehensive oversight, coordination, and support for the Return to Columbia program.

• Provide comprehensive, non-clinical Student Support management,  to coordinate reorientation, resource referral, and ongoing support for students. 

• Serve as the primary administrator for complex or high-profile Student Support and Return to Columbia program cases

• Collaborate with University partners to arrange academic and community accommodations. 

• Refer students to appropriate confidential and non-confidential resources. 

Students of Concern: 

• Provide support services and coordination to students experiencing significant challenges related to academic, mental health, physical health, conduct, substance-related and/or social issues.  

• Collaborate with University partners to consult on and coordinate responses to students of concern that are informed by best practices.

• Monitor and analyze local and national trends, policies, and emerging issues related to basic needs to inform program strategy, service delivery, and stakeholder engagement. 

Education, program development & training: 

• Through professional organization involvement and independent research, the incumbent is responsible for staying current on trends and issues related to the field of Student Support and intervention. 

• Responsible for applying and integrating new theories and practices to related services and programs, including reviewing and assessing policies and procedures related to Student Support.

• Collaborate within CSSI, University Life, and the University to develop and support various CSSI outreach and educational initiatives.  

• Provide information and training using case statistics to educate administrators, student groups, and student leaders on student behavior trends and issues, as well as topics including, but not limited to: student support, bystander intervention, behavioral intervention, critical incident response, and assessing students in distress. 

• Lead and oversee the assessment of team programs and services to evaluate effectiveness, identify opportunities for improvement, and inform strategic planning. 

• Lead cross-University collaborations to enhance basic needs resources and innovative programming for students experiencing unmet basic needs. 

Other duties as assigned:

• Work in collaboration with staff members across the Columbia University community to facilitate alternate resolutions including mediations and restorative justice measures. 

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree

• A minimum of 5-7 years of related experience

• Must demonstrate dedication to the principles and values of the fields of Case Management and Student Conduct, and have an understanding of FERPA, Clery and other laws pertaining to these fields.

• Must possess knowledge of how to support students and communities who need additional support within a university or college setting, particularly low-socioeconomic and historically marginalized student communities.

• Must possess excellent analytical, organizational and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to exercise superior judgment and discretion.  

• Ability to handle multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of professionalism and attention to detail. 

• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced and detail-oriented environment.

• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree, preferably in social work, higher education, student personnel administration, counseling, psychology or related field.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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