• 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 Annually

Position Summary

Multicultural Affairs within Undergraduate Student Life at Columbia College and Columbia Engineering is a vital space where students find belonging, build community, and engage deeply across identities and experiences. Through programming, dialogue, advising, and presence, the office supports undergraduates as they navigate both moments of celebration and moments of challenge, helping to shape a campus culture rooted in care, inclusion, and shared responsibility.

The Associate Director for Multicultural Affairs and Program Director of Community Initiative (“Associate Director”) plays a central leadership role in advancing this mission. Working closely with the Associate Dean of Multicultural Affairs, this position blends strategic program development with hands-on student engagement. The Associate Director co-develops and executes office-wide programming, leads special initiatives responsive to emerging student needs including focused advocacy and support for rural students, advises student organizations, and serves as a visible and trusted presence in student spaces.

This role also leads communications and digital engagement for the office, translating the work of Multicultural Affairs into compelling, student-centered messaging. The position offers meaningful opportunities for professional growth, collaboration across Undergraduate Student Life, and direct impact on the undergraduate experience at one of the world’s leading institutions.

Responsibilities

Program Leadership and Community Building
• Lead professional and student staff in the planning, coordination, and execution of annual Multicultural Affairs programming, including kick-off events, Audre Lorde Week, study breaks, graduation celebrations, and community-building social spaces.
• Support cohort-based and identity-affirming programs that foster connection, reflection, and shared learning across the undergraduate community.

Strategic Initiatives and Responsive Programming
• Partner with the Associate Dean of Multicultural Affairs to design, implement, and assess new programs, special projects, and initiatives aligned with evolving undergraduate needs.
• Lead the development, promotion, and coordination of programming and advocacy efforts supporting rural students and other emerging student populations.

Student Organization Advising and Leadership Development
• Provide developmental advising to student organizations through consistent outreach and relationship-building with student leaders and members.
• Apply student development and leadership theory to advising practice, supporting ethical decision-making, group dynamics, and inclusive leadership.
• Guide students in understanding and interpreting University and Undergraduate Student Life policies and procedures.
• Support event planning and management, including budget oversight, contract negotiation with performers and service providers, and evening or weekend event coverage as needed.
• Encourage collaboration and communication across student organizations.

Communications, Marketing, and Digital Engagement
• Lead the creation and coordination of marketing and branding efforts for Multicultural Affairs.
• Oversee social media strategy and content development, supporting innovative, authentic, and mission-aligned digital engagement.
• Provide guidance to professional and student staff on best practices, consistent messaging, and internal scheduling processes.

Assessment, Research, and Data-Informed Practice
• Collaborate with the Associate Dean on research, benchmarking, and assessment projects.
• Develop and maintain databases and synthesize data into preliminary reports to inform planning, evaluation, and continuous improvement.

Dialogue Facilitation and Campus Education
• Serve as a staff facilitator for dialogue-based programs within Multicultural Affairs and related Columbia College and Columbia Engineering initiatives, including Under1Roof.
• Support campus education efforts that promote dialogue, understanding, and shared responsibility across difference.

Student Support and Community Care
• Serve as a resource for students seeking support, guidance, and connection through Multicultural Affairs.
• Provide individual support related to social, leadership, and identity development, including advising and referral in response to concerns related to non-discrimination and Title VI policies.
• Assist with the coordination of gathering spaces and campus education initiatives following campus incidents, in partnership with the Associate Dean.

Institutional Engagement and Division-Wide Contributions
• Participate in the ongoing growth and development of Undergraduate Student Life, Columbia College, Columbia Engineering, and Columbia University through cross-unit collaboration and shared responsibility for student success.
• Support student onboarding and off-boarding processes, contributing to cohesive and thoughtful experiences at key transition points.
• Contribute to major student life initiatives and signature experiences, including NSOP, opening weekend, orientation, homecoming, commencement, and other campus traditions.
• Serve as a responsible representative on committees and working groups as requested.
• Attend relevant meetings and ensure timely communication of information to professional and student staff.
• Promote efficiency, professionalism, and courtesy across the University community in alignment with USL’s mission and values.
• Remain attentive to the University’s mission and identity, with a sustained commitment to inclusion and the importance of student voices.
• Communicate regularly and effectively with the supervisor regarding departmental priorities, emerging issues, and University-wide matters.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of Multicultural Affairs and Undergraduate Student Life.

Why This Role Matters
This role offers the opportunity to shape meaningful student experiences, influence campus culture, and build trusted relationships with students at a critical stage in their lives. The Associate Director for Multicultural Affairs works within a collaborative, values-driven division that prioritizes mentorship, professional growth, and thoughtful leadership. For candidates seeking impact, visibility, and purpose-driven work, this position offers a rare blend of strategy, creativity, and deep student connection.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and or its equivalent
• Minimum of 3 to 4 years of professional experience in student affairs or related area 
• Strong knowledge of identity development, student development theory, leadership development theory, and community building
• Excellent event planning skills on small and large scales; background in planning and executing inclusive, accessible events
• Strong attention to detail and excellent written and oral communication skills
• Experience in project coordination within a team

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred
• Experience working in a higher education setting as well as prior work supporting students from different backgrounds, identities, and experiences
• A strong background in producing community building and inclusive programming for undergraduates and dialogue-based group facilitation within diversity and inclusion programming
• Posses substantive understanding of intersectionality as it relates to social identities and particular needs of undergraduates
• Ability to thrive in an urban, fast paced environment

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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