• Job Type: Support Staff - Union
• Bargaining Unit: Local 2110
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $59,390 - $59,390/Annually

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Associate Director, Visitor Relations, the Administrative Assistant provides comprehensive administrative, operational, and programmatic coordination for the Visitors Center. The role serves as a primary point of contact for prospective students, families, campus partners, and University visitors.

The incumbent coordinates on-campus visit programs that support recruitment and yield efforts for Columbia College, Columbia Engineering, and General Studies; oversees front-desk and daily operational functions of the Visitors Center; assists with visitor communications and logistics; and provides analytical and administrative support to leadership. The position requires the ability to manage competing priorities in a high-volume environment and regular interaction with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Performs core administrative and operational activities of the Visitors Center, ensuring continuity of daily operations and a high-quality visitor experience.
• Serves as a primary point of contact for prospective undergraduate and graduate applicants, families, school counselors, and University visitors; conveys accurate information regarding admissions processes, visit programming, and University messaging.
• Coordinates on-campus visit programs and group tours, including scheduling, space coordination, visitor flow management, and logistical planning in partnership with Admissions staff and campus service providers.
• Responds to visitor concerns and operational issues; determines appropriate escalation to senior leadership when necessary.
• Provides comprehensive administrative support to the Visitors Center, including calendar and schedule management, facilities and service requests, supply coordination, inbox management, and phone coverage.
• Performs daily opening and closing activities for the Visitors Center; maintaining the physical presentation and readiness of public-facing spaces.
• Provides group visit logistics, supports tour dismissal processes; and imparts guidance and direction to student tour guides and front-desk student staff during daily operations.
• Coordinates onboarding, training, and ongoing guidance for student workers supporting front-desk and visitor operations; supports student worker engagement activities and events.
• Collects and maintains visitor surveys and statistical data; and prepares regular reports and summaries for the Senior Associate Director to support operational planning and decision-making.
• Collaborates with internal University partners (Admissions, Facilities, Public Safety, Events, and other administrative units) to ensure seamless coordination of visits and programs.
• Represents the Visitors Center professionally in interactions with internal and external stakeholders, exercising discretion when handling sensitive or confidential information.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
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Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or the equivalent required.
• A minimum of three years of progressively responsible administrative or operational experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, preferably in a university or other complex organization.
• Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in a high-volume, public-facing environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Some college preferred.
• Knowledge of high volume visitor management is preferred.
• Experience supporting visitor operations, event coordination, or front-facing service environments preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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