Director of Academic Administration

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $100,000 - $110,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

To facilitate the leadership of the Chair of the Theatre Program, the Director of Academic Administration is responsible for day-to-day management of the Program’s academic year, summer, and international programs. The incumbent directs instructional and student affairs administration, financial operations, and provides administrative oversight of all production activity and general academic administration for the Master of Fine Arts program, including any new or forthcoming degree and non-degree initiatives. The incumbent participates in strategic planning initiatives of the School.

The incumbent reports to the Chair of the Theatre Program and works closely with Student and Alumni Affairs, Finance and HR, Admissions and Financial Aid, Global and Summer Programs , Communications, Information Technology, and Development teams. 

Responsibilities

General Academic and Instructional Administration: 45%

(responsibilities include but are not limited to)

Direct administration of MFA program and facilitate administration of PhD program in consultation with faculty as requested; Develop and maintain a network of contacts with other University offices and professional peer groups; Liaise with faculty about course offerings, student issues, program initiatives, and student and alumni events; Manage administrative processes for faculty searches; Prepare and edit program descriptive copy for the website and collateral materials.

Fiscal Administration: 20%

(responsibilities include but are not limited to)

Manage the Theatre Program's annual administrative operating budget in excess of $640,000 and confirm spending priorities in consultation with the Chair; Authorize all administrative expenses ; Produce regular financial forecasting reports from University budget systems to advise Chair and Dean's office on the program's financial status; Participate in strategic and business planning initiatives.

Develop proposed annual operating budget for approval by the Chair and the Dean/Senior Director of Finance.

Manage and track annual financial aid awards in excess of $3.9 million.

Manage the Theatre Program adjunct budget in excess of $1 million.

Manage student service and instructional position application process and budget in collaboration with the offices of Human Resources, Finance, and Financial Aid.

Facilitate the activity of Columbia/Shubert Internship Program in consultation with faculty; with Development department, assist with annual grant proposal  as requested, develop and maintain contact with participating organizations , advise students and oversee internship placements.

Student Administration: 35%

(responsibilities include but are not limited to)

Advise prospective students on admissions process and program requirements  as needed; Advise current students on academic progress, program requirements; Support annual Admissions audition process and attend auditions locally and nationally as needed; Oversee registration process; Certify students for Graduation.

Other related duties as assigned/requested.

Minimum Qualifications

A minimum of five years of experience in arts management or related experience is required. Financial management and strategic planning experience required, including developing and managing budgets, forecasting, and analyzing financial reports. Excellent interpersonal, organizational, supervisory, and communications skills required. Demonstrated attention to detail required. Ability to work independently and under pressure on concurrent projects, with large numbers of people and with multiple deadlines, required. Ability to handle confidential matters with tact and discretion required. Substantial experience with multiple computer platforms required. Some evening/weekend work and limited travel required.

A cover letter and resume must be submitted to be considered for the position.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree in the arts preferred. Previous experience in an academic setting is preferred. Experience with relational databases and web-based financial and student services applications is also preferred.  

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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