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Assistant Director of Operations

School of Law

Assistant Director of Operations

  • 555204
  • Morningside
  • School of Law
  • Full Time
  • Opening on: Feb 3 2026
  • Grade 12
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  • Job Type: Officer of Administration
  • Bargaining Unit:
  • Regular/Temporary: Regular
  • End Date if Temporary:
  • Hours Per Week: 35
  • Standard Work Schedule:
  • Building:
  • Salary Range: $80,000 - $90,000
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
 

Position Summary

The Sabin Center seeks an Assistant Director of Operations who, in collaboration with the Center’s executive director, designs and manages systems to support the growing organization, including the planning and operation of projects, collaborations, budget, and resources.  The incumbent will also work with the Center and project leadership to cultivate and maintain collaborative partnerships and networks of researchers, practitioners, and students.  This position reports to the Center Executive Director and works collaboratively with research staff.


Responsibilities

  1. Project and Budget Management:  Plays a key role in the full time management of the Center’s research and activities, including primary responsibility for grant administration and budget management  Oversees funding for conferences, workshops, meetings, advisory groups, and other events relating to the center and its projects, in conjunction with the Center and project leadership. 
  2. Strategic Planning: Develops approaches and tools to support alignment, resourcing, and sequencing across the Center’s project portfolio, and works closely with Center and project leadership to prioritize and develop strategies to pursue opportunities. Provides support for Center research staff on research and organizational related tasks. 
  3. Human Resources and Operations:  Manages the day-to-day operations of the Center, including the work of consultants, casual and temporary employees, and students working with the Center, in conjunction with the Center's leadership and project leads. Manages recruitment and training processes for Center affiliates. 
  4. Development: Act as a liaison in arrangements involving members of the academic, business and governmental communities, as well as donors, publishers, Columbia University administrators and students. Participates in drafting documents for fundraising opportunities for the Center and its projects. 
  5. Communication:  Contributes to the Center’s communications, in collaboration with the Center’s communications associate and staff, including through content development for periodic Center communications and publications. 

Minimum Qualifications

BA or BS required, MBA, MPA, Masters degree or JD highly desirable.   Must have at least 4-6 years of significant project management, development, or other relevant experience. Demonstrated ability to design, direct and carry out operational systems and projects with minimal supervision, and to take primary responsibility for design and execution of programs, conferences and budgets. Experience working in a university, non-profit organization or government agency in a field related to climate change, environment, energy, and related policy areas preferred. Ability to exercise good judgment, work under pressure with changing deadlines, take initiative, and prioritize and carry out multiple tasks with minimal supervision is a must, as are excellent interpersonal, organization and communication skills. Must be able to work with diverse constituencies and support an inclusive work environment.


Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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