Education Support Specialist I

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $66,300 - $66,300

Position Summary

The Office of Student Affairs within Medical Education at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S) supports the academic, advising, and administrative needs of medical students.

The Education Support Specialist I provides foundational administrative and programmatic support to the Student Affairs team at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S). The role is responsible for coordinating logistics for milestone events, managing day-to-day student service processes, and providing timely support across communications, documentation, and student lifecycle transitions.

Responsibilities

Student Services Coordination and Support:

• Coordinate basic logistical needs for high-touch student events such as Orientation, Match Day, and Graduation
• Assist with ongoing student programs and initiatives, including community-building activities, town halls, and student wellness campaigns.
• Provide administrative support for academic lifecycle tasks such as student leave documentation and reentry checklists, under the guidance of senior staff.
• Provide administrative support to programs such as the Student Leader Training Program and Medical Spanish Elective, including flyer prep and participant tracking.
• Assist in gathering documentation for students participating in international programs or summer research experiences.
• Maintain the accuracy of CourseWorks student resource pages and shared event calendars.

Data Management and Reporting:

• Track and organize student service inquiries using internal systems.
• Enter and update information related to status changes, event participation, or enrollment transitions.
• Support survey dissemination, basic data entry, and maintenance of student status spreadsheets.

Operational and Financial Support:

• Submit facilities and IT requests; track office supplies and restock as needed.
• Assist with documentation for student reimbursements, supply orders, and event purchases.
• Support documentation processes related to global travel or stipend paperwork under guidance.

People:

• Serve as the initial point of contact for all students, staff, faculty, and external visitors to the Student Affairs Office, providing prompt and professional assistance.
• Respond to inquiries by phone, email, or in person, offering accurate information or directing individuals to appropriate resources.
• Escalate urgent issues or student concerns to appropriate Student Affairs leadership when needed.
• Promote a culture of service and warmth within the Student Affairs team, maintaining discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive student matters.

Other Duties:

• Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance support skills and knowledge.
• Perform other duties as assigned by leadership.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in education and experience required

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to successfully prioritize multiple responsibilities and projects. 
• Strong sense of teamwork including the ability to establish and maintain strong relationships. 
• Familiarity with, or willingness to learn, learning management systems and academic databases, assessment and central scheduling platforms.

Other Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree. The equivalent in education, training, and professional experience can be substituted for the degree requirement.
• Experience in providing basic student support or assisting with program coordination.
• Strong interpersonal, writing, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word and Excel.
• Basic organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks under supervision.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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