Position Summary

The Department of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research (IEOR) at Columbia University seeks an Associate Director of Cross-Cultural Communication to lead the identification, evaluation, and prioritization of cross-cultural communication programming needs and opportunities in the engineering and executive education contexts, including systematic market research, analysis of industry trends, and evidence-based recommendations to faculty and department leadership. IEOR applies analytical and quantitative methods to improve decision-making, optimize complex systems, and manage risk under uncertainty. As organizations increasingly operate in global and data-driven environments, communication plays a critical role in leadership effectiveness, interdisciplinary collaboration, and organizational performance. Reporting to the Director of Executive Education and Industry Relations, this temporary three-year role (with the possibility of renewal) bridges linguistic expertise with cross-cultural communication skills to strengthen the effectiveness of outreach to industry and business, with a primary emphasis on executive training and industry-facing programs. The primary focus will be to strengthen communications in collaborative projects between IEOR faculty/students and industry professionals in emerging areas.

Responsibilities

Industry Collaboration (55%):

Help identify and explore opportunities in effective cross-cultural communications in relevant industries. 

Identify opportunities for courses and certificate programs tailored towards specific industry professionals, in particular in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, supply chains and analytics.

Conduct market research to identify industry needs and emerging trends in cross-cultural communications that will strengthen IEOR department’s programs, in particular those in executive training. Help the IEOR department in creating and sustaining such programs, including using feedback to make continuous improvements.

Faculty Support (20%):

Work with IEOR faculty and possibly other SEAS/Columbia faculty on collaborative projects that involve executive training and cross-cultural business communications.

Facilitate communication between faculty and industry partners to ensure alignment of goals and expectations.

Assist faculty in integrating industry needs in business communications into their research and teaching activities, as well as industry-sponsored projects.

Industry Relations & Engagement (20%):

Maintain relationships with industry professionals, attending conferences, networking events, and meetings to promote the department’s capabilities.

Help cultivate and maintain industry partnerships to provide ongoing input that shapes and updates collaborative projects.

Contribute subject-matter expertise to executive training initiatives as appropriate, particularly in cross-cultural communications for global and technology-driven organizations.

Additional related duties as assigned (5%):

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent experience required.

Three - five years of related experience

Demonstrated expertise in cross-cultural communication and pragmatic analysis.

Teaching experience in higher education or professional settings.

Substantial experience in curriculum design.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and other languages.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree in Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, Communication, or a related field. 

Experience in executive training that translates linguistic and cultural theory into applied frameworks for negotiation, organizational communication, or international business contexts.

 Demonstrated ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary academic environments.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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