• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $68,300 - $85,000 Annually

Position Summary

The Associate Director for Student and Family Support, Parent and Family Engagement is a key member of the Student and Family Support team, responsible for providing comprehensive case management to undergraduate students in Columbia College (CC) and The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS), while also serving as a central point of contact for their families. This role supports students experiencing complex personal, academic, and health-related challenges—such as medical and psychological concerns, life traumas, behavioral emergencies, and other barriers that disrupt academic success—through high-touch, non-clinical support, interventions, referrals, and personalized follow-up.

With a specialized focus on family engagement, the Associate Director also builds meaningful relationships with parents and families to ensure students receive coordinated and compassionate support. The role involves responding to student and family inquiries, guiding families through university systems and resources, and facilitating collaborative solutions in partnership with colleagues across the institution. The Associate Director will develop and implement programming and communications to help families learn about University resources and how they can support their students through their Columbia journey. Additionally, they will also plan and execute signature events for on-campus family programs.

This position requires frequent collaboration with campus partners such as Counseling and Psychological Services, Residential Life, Student Advising, Disability Services, Public Safety, Student Conduct, Financial Aid, Health Services, and Athletics. While strong supportive relationships with students and families are expected, this is a non-clinical role and does not include therapeutic counseling.

Responsibilities

• Case Management:
  • Respond to queries from students, staff, faculty, and parents related to concerns about students in distress, medical leaves, and/or the navigation of Columbia resources.
  • Provide ongoing case-management for students in various stages of distress and need, including meeting individually with students to support their progress and provide referrals to services within the university. Follow-up and monitor student progress to ensure continuity of care and adequate support.
  • Manage student cases that come through referrals or the online management system, including collecting, evaluating and updating information.
  • Conduct meetings and manage parental notifications for students with multiple hospital transports due to instances of alcohol/substance intoxication.
  • Provide crisis intervention & wellness resources to students living off-campus.
  • Support the on-call team and residential life with students who are hospitalized due to physical or psychological concerns. Participate in crisis response, including individual student concerns and large-scale community incidents.
  • Provides on-going support to these students to create a plan for successful completion of the semester or review options such as leaves of absences. 
  • Maintain accurate records and manage sensitive information in compliance with FERPA and institutional policies.
• Parent & Family Engagement & Educational Programming:
  • Plans and hosts virtual and in-person events, family orientation, and family days
  • Advocates on behalf of families with key university offices
  • Consults with campus partners on emerging trends/issues in family engagement
  • Recruits and manages family volunteers for on-campus and virtual events
  • Contribute to the development of educational and promotional materials including newsletters, website updates, and presentations.
  • Build strong, trusting relationships with families to foster supportive environments for students and educate families on campus resources
  • Serve as a consistent point of contact for families navigating Columbia’s systems, policies, and resources.
  • Partner with university stakeholders to ensure families receive consistent and informative support.
• Other Related Duties:
  • Assist in college-wide events and programs. Provide support as requested during emergent situations.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum 4 years of relevant experience in student affairs, case management, or family engagement in a higher education setting.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex cases and collaborate across multiple departments.
• Deep understanding and awareness of FERPA, Clery Act, CAS Standards, HECMA standards, and other emergent issues pertaining to case management in a higher education setting.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive situations with discretion and empathy.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic environment with flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in higher education, counseling, social work, or related field preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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