Director, MA Programs, Department of Statistics

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $135,000 - $148,000

Position Summary

The Department of Statistics at Columbia University is seeking an experienced, strategic professional to serve as the Director of MA Programs. Reporting to the Department Chair and Vice Chair for MA Programs, the Director of MA Programs will be expected to direct the operational and administrative aspects of the Statistics Master’s program, and to coordinate the statistics department involvement with their partner MA programs, including MAFN, MS-DS, MS-AI, Actuarial Science, QMSS, and subsequent programs the department may be involved in. The Director serves as a visionary and effective leader for the MA in Statistics Program and oversees all aspects of its planning, operations, and evaluation.

In addition, the Director will be expected to respond to occasional requests from the department Chair regarding urgent needs that may or may not be related to the master’s programs.

The Department of Statistics at Columbia University is an intellectually vibrant and interdisciplinary hub, committed to pioneering research, rigorous training, and broad impact across theory, methodology, and application. The department hosts world-class faculty and students working in probability, statistical theory, computational methods, data science, and interdisciplinary domains, supported by a range of centers, including the Applied Statistics Center and the Center for Applied Probability. The programs, spanning undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels, are designed for flexibility, rigor, and real-world relevance, equipping graduates to pursue careers in academia, industry, and beyond.

This position follows a hybrid weekly schedule, with an expectation of at least three days a week on-site. During periods of peak activity or operational need, additional on-site presence may be required.

Responsibilities

• Direct the operational and administrative aspects of the Department's MA in Statistics program, including leading a team of around seven administrative staff and interns.
• Lead all career development and professional growth initiatives within the MA in Statistics program.
• Provide leadership and strategic direction for all academic affairs, admissions, and student engagement functions for the MA in Statistics Program, ensuring alignment with departmental priorities and the mission of the University.
• Oversee and integrate the full lifecycle of the MA in Statistics Program student experience, from recruitment and admissions through academic progress, engagement, and graduation, driving operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Directly manage and mentor staff responsible for academic administration, student services, and admissions, establishing clear goals, accountability structures, and professional development pathways.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators for the MA in Statistics Program, leveraging and maintaining program data and analytics to inform strategic decision-making related to enrollment management, retention, program outcomes and the overall health of the MA in Statistics Program.
• Lead strategic planning and execution for the MA in Statistics Program, including growth initiatives, resource allocation, and the development of scalable infrastructure to support an expanding student population.
• Represent the MA in Statistics Program in internal and external forums, strengthening partnerships, enhancing program visibility, and supporting recruitment and industry engagement efforts.
• Maintain policies and protocols for the MA in Statistics program in alignment with the University, GSAS, and departmental policies, calculate the annual operation budget of the MA in Statistics program, and plan year-round program activities to ensure that the program meets essential milestones each year; carry out annual reviews of the program each summer and propose programmatic and operational improvements for the next academic year.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with GSAS’s academic offices and committees, ISSO, ODS, CSSI, etc.; engage Columbia faculty & researchers in events organized by the MA program, for the enrichment of the MA students’ experience on campus.
• Assist with the DAAF and Department Chair on implementing course scheduling and faculty assignments.
• Coordinate statistics involvement with the other MA programs: MAFN, MS-DS and MS-AI, Actuarial Science, and QMSS programs.
  • Ensure enough seats in statistics department classes to cover demand
  • Investigate seats available in elective courses (non-stat department) for MA students.
  • Engage in proactive outreach with other affiliated MA programs’ administrative units to ensure effective communication and partnership.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• A minimum of 4-6 years of related experience in higher education.
• A track record in program implementation, experience in student affairs, student advising, and teaching in a higher education setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• MA or PhD in Statistics or related area desirable but not required; graduate level work. 
• Significant experience (10+ years) in higher education administration.
• Demonstrated ability to lead programs, mentor staff, and manage multiple initiatives strategically.
• Proven ability to build partnerships, work collaboratively across teams, and align initiatives with institutional goals.
• Commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
• Knowledge of statistics, mathematics, STEM fields, or related industries.
• Experience working with international students and diverse populations.

Other Requirements

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent planning, organization, budget, and management skills.
• Must be able to handle confidential information, have excellent judgment and discretion, and have strong leadership capabilities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to handle delicate situations with tact, wisdom, and discretion.
• Must demonstrate a record of initiative in solving problems and devising creative solutions with minimal supervision.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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