Assistant Director of Admissions

Position Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director of Graduate Degree Programs, the Assistant Director of Admissions, manages the admissions processes for graduate degree programs at the Law School, helps manage/oversee several key operations and assists with student support and recruiting initiatives in the Office of Graduate Degree Programs (“OGP”).

Responsibilities

I. Admissions
Oversees all aspects of the paperless application process for graduate degree programs, and collaborates with the Assistant Director of the ELLM Program and Marketing with respect to ELLM admissions. Responsibilities include:

• Establishing application processing timeline and assisting Senior Coordinator as needed with initial review of applications, including the identification of high potential applicants;
• Preparing various correspondence for distribution to applicants in collaboration with the Assistant Director of Communications and Senior Coordinator;
• Creating and maintaining a database to register and track prospects and applicants using LSAC and other programs, and maintaining and refining a filing system for applications and various types of correspondence; produces regular and ad hoc reports;
• Coordinating the transfer of data to SIS and other CU offices to ensure a smooth transition to the CU community;
• Serving as liaison with vendors of application portals and other software related to admissions activities, such as ACES2/UNITE, and cultivating new relationships where necessary;
• Reviewing application files and participating in making admission, financial and merit-based aid recommendations; and
• Overseeing the work of casual and temporary staff with respect to admission functions.

II. Operations
Provide operational support to the Executive Director of OGP including developing and overseeing record-keeping and data management protocols, reporting. Responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with Director of Operations & [Planning][Innovation] in the office of Professional, Graduate and Executive Programs and relevant OGP colleagues to develop systems, processes, protocols and workflows to improve overall departmental efficiency (e.g. Campus Groups implementation, forms, and ACES2/UNITE updates);
• Overseeing departmental record-keeping and data management protocols, engaging in data analysis and assisting in the production of reports that may be requested from time to time by the Dean of the Law School, the Associate Dean of Professional Advancement, Graduate Degree Programs and Executive Education and the Assistant Dean of OGP;
• Assisting the OGP with departmental budget oversight, advising the Senior Coordinator on purchasing procedures and guidelines, and providing administrative support as needed;
• Exploring and updating the OGP team on software to help streamline operations.

III. Graduate Student Support
Assists OGP colleagues with several initiatives and programs to support graduate student onboarding and overall experience. Responsibilities include:

• Assisting the Director of Graduate Student Affairs:
  • In her work with CU and CLS offices that provide student support services (housing, immigration/visas, health insurance, accommodations, access to Law School and University-wide systems and databases, etc.) by tracking each incoming student’s onboarding process and attending meetings with such offices, as requested, to stay abreast of policies and best practices;
  • With the development and execution of programming for graduate students, as needed., including new offerings (e.g. film series), orientation, leadership, antiracism and wellness programming as well as graduate student specific social functions, presentations and special meetings;
• Assisting the Director of Academic Affairs and the J.S.D. Program with student engagement and special programs;
• Assisting in advising and/or referring current graduate students and alumni to the appropriate administrative offices, either at the Law School or elsewhere throughout the University, on matters such as payment of tuition and fees, financial aid, family issues, health matters, health insurance, grading/transcript questions, etc.; and

IV. Recruiting
Assist with recruiting and admissions/yield management activities. Responsibilities include:

• In collaboration with the Executive Director, creating and managing Alumni Advisory Councils to partner with OGP in recruiting, admissions and yield initiatives;
• In collaborations with relevant OGP colleagues, developing and managing admission/recruiting programs and initiatives.
• Participating in online and in-person recruiting and yield events; and
• Assisting OGP colleagues as needed with follow-up, data management, etc. related to recruiting and admissions activities;

V. Misc.
Represent OGP at internal and external meetings and undertake other special projects as requested by the Executive Director.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree, preferably, plus a minimum of 2 to 4 years of relevant experience is required. J.D. or M.A degree preferred. Experience in legal practice, law school administration or in a professional environment characterized by complex demands, large workloads, deadline pressures, diverse constituents, and high client/student expectations, preferably in (but not limited to) academic affairs, admissions, or student affairs. Similar administrative experience at a major law school a significant plus. Must be able to work with diverse constituencies and support an inclusive work environment.

Required Competencies:
• Superior oral and written communication skills, including public speaking experience.
• Experience working in or demonstrated understanding of the characteristics of antiracist institutions.
• Demonstrated experience working successfully with students of diverse races, religions, orientations, abilities, cultural backgrounds, etc.
• Experience managing resources and working with technology vendors.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in the handling of sensitive and highly confidential information.
• Knowledge of or strong interest in understanding compliance standards related to recruiting, admissions and student engagement in the law school context.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the demonstrated capacity to advise and meaningfully interact with diverse, multi-generational constituents.
• Affinity for collaboration and ability to work well across all levels of an organization.
• Ability to multitask and be part of a collegial team, and maintain calm under pressure while balancing competing tasks and emergencies.
• Organizational and analytical skills and the ability to synthesize and meaningfully evaluate data.
• Technological and computer literacy, including familiarity with or strong interest in developing knowledge of ACES2/UNITE, Symplicity, and digital learning technology.
• A passion for, and commitment to, delivering exceptional customer service.
• Ability to travel occasionally and work some evenings and weekends.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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