Program Manager

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $61,500 - $75,000

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

The Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies (AAADS) at Columbia University is a diverse, new and expanding department.  With a growing number of faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, the department will be launching a PhD program within the next two years.  AAADS is also houses the Institute for Research in African American Studies (IRAAS).

Reporting to the Director of Academic Administration and Finance (DAAF), the incumbent will join a well experienced team to build out the department infrastructure which will include handling multiple projects and contributing to promoting the objectives and mission of the department in a variety of functions. He/she must be capable of learning new and complicated applications quickly and must be highly motivated, sound in judgment, capable of solving problems, and prepared to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director of Academic Administration and Finance, the Program Manager will work with the Chair, Directors, and Faculty in the creating and building out the department handling multiple projects including:

Develops and is responsible for all programming and events (in-person and online), including orientation events, welcome reception, peer gatherings, career panels, conferences, graduation coordination and other events as required; facilitates networking events to support and develop relationships between cohort peers, students, faculty, and program alumni; organizes career development workshops for students in the program, supports career transitions and identifies opportunities and advises students on further graduate study. Arranges domestic and international air travel, car service and hotel for guests and speakers. Gathers tax forms, photos, bios, release forms and all other documents needed from guests. Facilitates the advertisement process for events by receiving flyers from graphic designers and posting them online (via department website). 

The Program Manager develops and directs program marketing, outreach, and recruitment, including producing content for the AAADS/ IRAAS programs, courses, websites, and University publications; directs and supervises marketing and social media campaigns (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube), and analyzes results for accuracy and to improve efficacy. Creates strategies on how to market the events on campus and social media. Manages department’s E-List and weekly events notification. Works with the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS), Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), and other stakeholders to create networks of relationships to increase engagement and promote department’s BA/MA Programs.

Collaborates with the Director of Academic Administration and Finance (DAAF), and the Office of the Executive Vice President for Arts and Sciences to assist with fiscal year-end closing. The incumbent is responsible for tasks related to financial transactions in Columbia University’s financial system modules, including travel reimbursement (Concur), transaction reconciliation (P-Card), tracking financial information over a project’s life (ARC), and approve financial transactions (FFE).

Oversees the life cycle of scholars, artists, post-doctoral fellows, students, adjunct professors, summer sessions and casual appointments. The incumbent will review paperwork for accuracy and submit it promptly in compliance with the University and government policy. In collaboration with other staff, coordinates the creation, development, and maintenance of mailing and email lists; updates and maintains websites; manages all correspondence with the public about events; and tracks and monitors event expenses. Works with IRAAS staff to ensure that all program expenses are paid and reimbursed in a timely manner and resolves any financial issues that arise.

Lead the annual BA/MA thesis presentation and the annual Graduation ceremony with DUS and DGS.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent required and 2 years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Preferred Qualifications

Prior higher education experience preferred. Some financial and/or HR processing experience is preferred. Some experience using Oracle-based applications preferred.

Other Requirements

The incumbent should be willing to ask questions when answers are not known, and to show initiative in learning the answers. Good interpersonal skills including strong customer service abilities, meticulous attention to detail, as well as being capable of displaying patience, diplomacy and tact under pressure. First rate organizational skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills are a must.

Must be a pro-active, flexible, team player with excellent organizational, interpersonal, and verbal and written communication skills, acutely attentive to detail and computer savvy. An ability to work independently with changing priorities and multiple responsibilities is a must, as is sound judgment. A positive professional attitude is essential. Must exercise tact and discretion. Ability to prioritize, multitask, and pay close attention to detail is essential. Must be comfortable working with numbers and have proficiency using Excel.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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