Variable Hours Officer

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 20
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $100-$100 per hour

Position Summary

Reporting to the Center Director and the Deputy Center Director, the Variable Hours Officer (VHO) – Interim Center Administrator works in close partnership with the Director and Deputy Center Director to advance the strategic, research, and translational missions of the Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center.

The VHO is responsible for all aspects of the center’s administrative, financial, compliance, and operational management. This includes advising the Director and Deputy Center Director on fiscal and administrative policy; overseeing financial planning and reporting; ensuring compliance with School, University, and external regulations; and developing infrastructure to support a complex and growing research enterprise.

Responsibilities

Leadership and Financial Planning

• Partner with the Center Director and Deputy Center Director to implement strategic priorities and ensure operational alignment with School and University goals.
• Advise the Center Director and Deputy Center Director on fiscal matters, personnel strategy, and financial planning.
• Prepare and monitor the Center’s annual operating budget.
• Communicate updates regarding School and University policies, procedures, and compliance requirements to faculty and staff.
• Support faculty recruitment, program development, and strategic growth initiatives.

Finance, Research, and Grants Management

• Oversee the Center’s finance, administrative, and accounting practices and its financial relationships with MSPH, CUIMC, Columbia University, and affiliated entities.
• Direct all pre-award, post-award, and close-out activities for sponsored research.
• Monitor and reconcile budgets; analyze and address variances; develop financial projections.
• Ensure fiduciary responsibility for financial controls and compliance with audit requirements.
• Review and approve financial and procurement transactions in ARC (Accounting and Reporting at Columbia) and FDS (Financial Data Store).
• Collaborate with School finance and school to complete quarterly and annual deliverables as required.
• Ensure appropriate salary allocations, effort reporting, and compliance with sponsor regulations.

Operations Management

• Serve as a liaison for facilities and space planning in collaboration with MSPH Operations.
• Coordinate space allocation and utilization to meet research and administrative needs.
• Oversee operational systems, documentation retention, and process improvement initiatives.
• Implement structural or procedural adjustments as needed to support Center priorities and ensure alignment with strategic and operational goals.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in education and experience, plus five to seven years of related experience.
• Experience reflecting sound financial management and federal research grant administration in an academic setting.
• Experience in management of administrative operations and human resources.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee complex financial systems and ensure compliance with institutional and sponsor regulations.
• Strong communication, analytical, organizational, and supervisory skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MBA, MPA, MA, or related field) preferred.
• Experience within Columbia University or a comparable academic medical center strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with University systems, applications, and academic operations.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, supervise staff effectively, and manage competing priorities with integrity and sound judgment.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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