• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Salary Range: $115,000 - $135,000

Position Summary

The Data Science Institute at Columbia University is a world-leading institute in research and education in the theory and practice of the emerging field of data science. The Data Science Institute's mission involves advancing the state of the art in data science; transforming all fields, professions, and sectors through the application of data science, while ensuring the responsible use of data for the benefit of society.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer at the Data Science Institute, the Director of Human Resources will be a strategic partner to Institute leadership and will provide comprehensive oversight and manage the human resource operations for the Institute, including all the administrative staff, and manage the operations around our academic and research personnel. Along with the Chief Operating Officer, the Director is the point of contact for all employee relations matters and must be committed to creating an accessible, supportive environment and superior employee experience. This detailed role includes assisting hiring managers with full lifecycle recruitment, assessing staffing needs to propose suitable talent acquisition strategies, and adapting best practices to suit DSI’s evolving needs while maintaining compliance with university policies and state and federal laws along with managing the Associate Director of Academic Appointments & HR Operations whom is responsible for the appointment and reappointment process for all researchers associated with the Institute. 

This role requires a high level of customer service, client relations, and clear communication to establish a strong rapport among the administrative team, select University Faculty, and University partners.

Responsibilities

• Human Resource Operations
  • Employee Life-Cycle Management
    • Oversee the procedures for recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and offboarding staff across all administrative employee classifications, including students. Collaborate with the COO and hiring managers to craft job descriptions, assess compensation structures, execute recruitment strategies, uphold EOAA regulations, conduct candidate searches, and finalize selections.
    • Develop and continually enhance a fully-supported onboarding experience for new employees to ensure successful assimilation into positions and to the University.
    • Handle leaves of absence by working with Columbia University Leave Management and Central Human Resources to ensure all relevant documentation is completed, monitoring Family Medical Leave hours, and tracking and processing return-to-work dates.
  • Strategic Human Resources
    • Evaluate existing HR operations, identify areas for improvement, and establish standardized procedures that enhance efficiency, consistency, and the employee experience. Spearhead the creation and enhancement of the Institute’s HR operations, adapting best practices to support the Institute’s evolving needs while maintaining compliance with University policies, and state and federal laws. 
    • Research and recommend initiatives to support employee engagement, succession planning, and retention efforts.
    • Work closely with the Chief Operating Officer to meet strategic human resource goals for the Institute, including the development and implementation of special projects - creating meaningful performance review processes, team retreats, skills, and culture-building projects and efforts.
    • Stay up-to-date on the latest policies and procedures as communicated by CUHR. Act as the lead liaison between the Institute and the Central Human Resources.
  • Performance Management & Annual Compensation
    • Manage bi-annual performance evaluation process for administrative employees. Provide a model for effective performance management, including coaching, positive employee relations, and appropriate strategies for handling disciplinary issues.
    • Counsel managers on employee relations and personnel matters in partnership with the COO.
    • Assist the COO with the annual additional compensation and eComp processes. Organizes communications with DSI leadership and faculty PIs on the process and timing. Run compensation reports, create quarterly compensation analytics supporting recruitment; flag outliers and make recommendations.  Manage salary benchmarking; report on vacancies.
• Academic Appointments (15%)
  • Manage the Associate Director of Academic Appointments & HR Operations whom will ensure all research appointments/reappointments are completed on time and in accordance with University policy. Put in place the appropriate methods and resources to foster a strong research-focused environment for all Officers of Research.   
• Management (20%) 
  • Manage one Associate Director of Academic Appointments & HR Operations on a wide range of transactions and activities to support broader the Academic Affairs resources and research appointment objectives of the Institute.   
  • Supervise the Operations Coordinator to ensure the smooth functioning of the Institute related to the management of the Institute’s three physical locations, including but not limited to supporting an open collaborative workspace, research facilities, individual and shared offices as well as conference room facilities for faculty, staff, researchers, trainees, and students; management of the IT and Facilities ticketing systems.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required;
• 5-7 years of related experience with a solid background in human resources, relationship management, strong operations, and financial acumen. 
• Candidates must be highly organized, exhibit a strong attention to detail, and have the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced setting.
• The right candidate will be flexible, be interested in connecting with people with the goal of delivering outstanding customer service, and exercise sound judgment in all areas of work. Confidentiality, professionalism, and the ability to execute are essential to this position.
• Ability to exhibit strong leadership and work well under pressure handling multiple and complex priorities and meeting deadlines;
• Problem-solving prioritize and follow-up with minimal supervision and have a sense of urgency with the ability to be resourceful and demonstrate sound judgment with a strong aptitude for financial HR matters. 
• Must work within University audit guidelines and procedures while always providing a high level of service to the community. Excellent oral and written communication skills are a must.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preference for human resources knowledge and research appointments in an academic setting.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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