• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $95,000 - $110,000

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of the MPA Program in Economic Policy Management (PEPM) at the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), the Associate Director oversees all aspects of the administration of the PEPM Program, including admissions and recruitment, student services, alumni engagement, financial administration, event management, website development and maintenance, and advertising and brand development.

At SIPA—the world’s leading school of global policy—we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. We work to cultivate these values in our practices, programs and policies. We aim to create a workplace that is welcoming and celebrates the unique lived experiences of all our staff, students and faculty. We are particularly interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the School. Applicants are encouraged to include information in their cover letter about how they will further this goal.

Responsibilities

• Recruits students from a diverse international population, using online publications and social media, online information sessions and other recruitment tools; represents PEPM at educational fairs in the U.S. and abroad. Works closely with the SIPA Communications Office and Office of Admissions on all aspects of recruitment and advertising.
• Manages the PEPM admission process.  Duties include liaising with students and the SIPA Admissions Office, coordinating the work of the faculty admissions committee, reviewing applications, arranging housing and visas, and planning and executing new student orientations. Administers PEPM’s Slate Profile, including bin maintenance and management, query creation and reporting, mailings, events, and campaigns.
• Directs the PEPM student services operation.  Duties include overseeing registration, advising students on administrative, curricular and financial aid matters, advising on policies, requirements, procedures, deadlines, etc., and facilitating effective communication between students, teaching assistants, and faculty on policies and procedures. Responsible for student information, reports and certification of degrees, coordinating with the Office of Student Affairs on all related matters.  Acts as the principal liaison between PEPM students and other University offices such as the Registrar, Bursar, ISSO, Housing, the Columbia Office of Disability, Columbia Health, Columbia Counseling and Psychological Services, and other SIPA degree programs and other Columbia schools and departments.
• Manages relations with the World Bank Scholarships Office and other external scholarship programs and supports students in their career search and networking efforts.
• Develops and directs alumni and career services activities, such as panels, lectures, conferences, special seminars, and other events, including the MPA-EPM annual visit to Washington, D.C. each January.
• Works closely with the PEPM Director in the design and implementation of several major workshops, panels, and conferences of high interest to the PEPM and SIPA student body throughout the year and during the summer. Serves as point-person in the effective delivery of such events, working with a wide array of co-sponsors including Columbia centers and initiatives, such as Institute of Global Politics, World Leaders Forum, Columbia Global Centers, Initiative on Central Banking and Financial Policy, SIPA Cyber Initiative, Center for Japanese Economy and Business at CBS, SIPA Concentrations and Specializations and student organizations.   Works closely with other Columbia Offices, such as the SIPA Kellogg Center, University Event Management, SIPA AV, Columbia University IT, Columbia Catering, and other vendors inside and outside of the University.
• Maintains the Contact Database for the Program, which includes recruiting contacts, alumni, business contacts and other constituents who are interested engaging with the program and its events. Liaises closely with the SIPA Office of Alumni Affairs on alumni engagement and tracking.
• Works closely with the Director on curriculum development for the Program.  Duties include organizing courses, recruiting teaching assistants and other forms of instructional support, and serving as the principal liaison with faculty.
• Formulates and assumes comprehensive responsibility for the annual budget for the Program.  Acts as the principal liaison with the SIPA Human Resources and Business Offices, other University divisions, and outside vendors on all matters related to the Program’s finances and human resources.
• Supervises a Student Services Coordinator, several student employees, and temporary staff as appropriate.
• Performs related tasks as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 4 years of related administrative experience is required, including student services, event coordination, and staff supervision.   
• Excellent interpersonal, administrative, and organizational skills, and a commitment to a collaborative work style.
• Experience facilitating and coordinating meetings, networks, and committees.
• Ability to create an inclusive work and academic environment and to collaborate with diverse students, alumni, and staff community.
• Must have excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, as well as strong computer skills with proficiency in MS Office.
• Must be a self-starter and able to work independently and set priorities. Must be detail and deadline-oriented.
• Must demonstrate discretion and judgment in sensitive matters, particularly around student discipline and student mental and physical health.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education preferred. 
• Advanced degree preferred.
• Experience with mid-career or advanced career education programs.
• Marketing experience, especially to a higher educational audience internationally.
• Experience using Slate at an advanced level.
• Education or professional background in a global policy area.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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