Assistant Director of Admissions

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $75,000-$80,000

Position Summary

Reporting to the Associate Director of Admissions, the Assistant Director of Admissions supports the execution of recruitment, admissions, and enrollment management activities designed to meet enrollment goals and enroll a high-quality, diverse student body that enhances the reputation of the School of International and Public Affairs.

The Assistant Director serves as a key member of the Admissions team and is responsible for supporting prospective student outreach, application review, and recruitment event coordination for the School’s graduate programs. The incumbent counsels prospective applicants throughout the admissions process, manages prospect inquiries, participates in recruitment travel and virtual programming, and evaluates applications as a member of the Admissions Committee.

The Assistant Director coordinates class visit programming and assists with planning and execution of recruitment and yield events, including Admitted Students’ Day and virtual engagement initiatives. The incumbent may also support relationship management and collaborative programming efforts with Alumni Affairs to strengthen prospective and admitted student engagement.

The Assistant Director works collaboratively with Admissions and Financial Aid staff, faculty, alumni, student ambassadors, and other School administrators to support enrollment objectives and deliver a high level of customer service to prospective students and applicants. The incumbent also assists with Slate CRM operations, reporting, and communications efforts and may guide graduate assistants and temporary staff as needed.

Responsibilities

• Supports the implementation of prospective student outreach and recruitment strategies.
• Represents SIPA at recruitment events, graduate school fairs, information sessions, webinars, and related programs.
• Counsels prospective students and applicants regarding admissions requirements, academic programs, and financial aid processes through individual advising, email correspondence, virtual meetings, and presentations.
• Coordinates and manages class visit programming and prospective student engagement opportunities.
• Assists in the planning and execution of recruitment and yield events, including Admitted Students’ Day, virtual programming, and admitted student outreach initiatives.
• Participates in outreach efforts designed to recruit students from diverse backgrounds and strengthen the School’s recruitment initiatives.
• Reviews and evaluates applications as a member of the SIPA Admissions Committee.
• Assists with the management of admissions communications and applicant engagement campaigns through Slate CRM or related systems.
• Supports data tracking, reporting, and analysis related to admissions and enrollment activities.
• Collaborates with faculty, students, alumni, Alumni Affairs, and other School administrators to support recruitment and yield efforts.
• Assists with the coordination of SIPA Admissions student ambassador involvement in recruitment and admissions programming.
• Provides guidance and training to graduate assistants, temporary staff, and student workers as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent required.
• Minimum of two years of related experience in admissions, student affairs, enrollment management, or higher education administration. 
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, written, organizational, and presentation skills.
• Experience with Slate or similar CRM platform preferred.
• Must be detail-oriented and able to act with tact, diplomacy and discretion.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain effective working relationships across departments and with external partners.
• Must be able to travel (domestically and internationally) and work weekends and evenings as needed.
• Ability to work independently in a dynamic environment.
• Must be able to handle confidential information professionally and use sound judgment at all times.
• Standard Work Schedule: Hybrid schedule (3-4 days/week on-site)

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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