Director, Programs and Events

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $95,000 - $105,000

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 Office of Student Affairs at Columbia Business School (CBS) supports the academic and community experience for MBA, Executive MBA and MS students by creating an inclusive environment in which all students feel a sense of belonging, agency and partnership in co-creating their optimal student experience. The Office of Student Affairs is composed of four teams that work collaboratively to enhance the student experience: Academic Advising and Student Success, Student Life and Engagement, Programs and Events, and Operations and Student Services.

Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at Columbia Business School (CBS), the Director of Programs and Events will serve as an instrumental member of the Student Life Team dedicated to a best-in-class experience, student engagement, leadership development, and stakeholder collaboration. This role will serve as the Programs and Events lead, contributing to a cohesive student experience across all degree programs that reflects the values of Columbia Business School. This role will serve as a team leader in implementing large-scale signature events including, but not limited to, new student orientations, graduation exercises, and networking events throughout the year across MBA, EMBA and MS programs. The Director will be a key collaborator throughout CBS and Columbia University, working with various stakeholders and representing the School in various meetings and committees.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the strategic vision, planning, decision-making, and overall management of major student facing events across all CBS degree programs, including all planning, logistics, and budget oversight for New Student Orientation programs, annual Graduation exercises, and ad hoc networking events.

Allocates and manages the annual budget for major campus events totaling approximately $3 million. In conjunction with the Assistant Dean, provides strategic financial planning and forecasting to the departmental leadership by capturing and analyzing data to inform financial decisions related to major campus events.

Partners with the Student Life and Engagement, Academic Affairs and Student Success and Operations teams to support the student experience across all programs, building a strong sense of community and grounding all work in the OSA mission. Work with staff to continue to improve, develop and implement initiatives that create a sense of belonging and promote equitable participation and access to events and initiatives throughout the Office of Student Affairs.

Compiles and contributes content for the Dean's Orientation and Recognition remarks, creating briefings, assisting deans, associate deans and other high-profile participants.

Manages a team of two programs & events staff members. Manages workflow and professional development activities. Identifies and leverage opportunities to accelerate results and build capability by assigning tasks and decision-making responsibilities to individuals or teams with clear boundaries, expectations, support, and follow-up. Provides clear expectations, objectives and goals, deliver both positive and negative feedback, and hold staff accountable for results and deliverables.

Partners with the Associate Director charged with strategic communications to proactively communicate and update incoming and current students via email and the CBS website with information about the degree programs, policies and procedures, and flagship events.

Makes data-informed decisions; collects data from events and implement appropriate feedback, constantly innovating to improve processes and the overall student experience.

Advises and coaches VPs of Events within Student Government and serve as the OSA lead for the twice annual MBA Follies (comedy) show. Supports student-led events/ initiatives run by these groups. Instills partnership mentality when working with students and supporting the overall mission and goals of the Office of Student Affairs. Raises issues or concerns where appropriate. Translates university and school-wide policies and procedures.

Promotes internal and external vendor and stakeholder relationships exercising a collaborative mindset. Creates staffing plans and guide OSA team members on student-facing events and programs. Serves as the overall point person and liaison for University partnerships and events. Represents the Office of Student Affairs and support and attend events when necessary for School constituencies including Development and Alumni Relations, the Dean's Office, Centers and Programs, etc.

Performs related work and special projects as identified by the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs or the Dean of Students.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required. Minimum 5-7 years of relevant experience required.
• Prior event planning and graduate student advising experience needed.
• Applicant must have superior interpersonal, organizational and presentation skills along with the ability to work in a fast paced, high stakes atmosphere and balance multiple, ongoing projects.
• Event management and execution experience is required and the ability and willingness to work evenings and some weekends is expected.
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills are required and experience with various communication platforms is highly preferred including: Microsoft Office Suite, InDesign and social media.
• Must be able to work with a diverse student body, faculty and administrators and possess problem-solving skills.
• Professionalism and judgment in representing the administration with students, professors and senior administrators.
• Ability to manage changing priorities and multiple projects. Ability to work weekends and evenings is required, including travel for international seminars, if needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Higher Education and Student Personnel or Event Management preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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

Commitment to Diversity

Columbia University is dedicated to increasing diversity in its workforce, its student body, and its educational programs. Achieving continued academic excellence and creating a vibrant university community require nothing less. In fulfilling its mission to advance diversity at the University, Columbia seeks to hire, retain, and promote exceptionally talented individuals from diverse backgrounds.