Executive Director

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $149,000 - $169,000

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

Reporting to the Vice Dean of Administration/Chief Operating Officer of Columbia Business School, the Executive Director will handle a variety of strategic, administrative, operational, and confidential matters with staff and faculty at CBS and partners around the University. The incumbent will play a critical leadership role in managing cross-functional initiatives, providing strategic solutions, ensuring smooth communication across stakeholders, and offering high-level support. This position requires a blend of project management expertise, excellent communication skills, and the ability to resolve conflicts and drive outcomes in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

For over a century, Columbia Business School has helped develop leaders and builders of enterprises who drive value for their stakeholders and society at large through our MBA, MS, PhD, and Executive Education programs. We are equally committed to cultivating new scholars and teachers and to creating and disseminating pathbreaking knowledge, concepts, and tools that advance the understanding and practice of management through our faculty research and PhD programs. Our vision is simple: to develop ideas and leaders that transform the world-from the very center of business. Our ever-evolving curriculum, featuring pioneering courses, STEM certification, and immersive experiential learning, prepares students to excel in key areas such as digital transformation, entrepreneurship, innovation, twenty-first-century finance, the intersection of business and society, and climate and sustainability.

Responsibilities

Project Management of Complex Initiatives

• Leads and manages multifaceted cross-departmental projects, ensuring they align with CBS' strategic priorities. Develops project plans, sets timelines, incorporates input from stakeholders, and tracks progress to ensure milestones are met.
• Serves as the primary point of contact and convener for project teams, facilitating collaboration and ensuring that projects move from conception to implementation. Provides regular updates on project status, potential risks, and key decisions.
• Identifies potential risks to project timelines, resources, or outcomes. Develops strategies that ensure smooth implementation of projects and initiatives.

Stakeholder Engagement & Leadership Support

• Acts as a strategic partner, assisting with the prioritization of key initiatives and long-term goals. Manages the flow of information to facilitate seamless communication and alignment. Helps to filter decisions and requests, allowing the COO to focus on broader considerations and priorities.
• Fosters strong working relationships with internal and external partners, including colleagues across CBS and CU.
• Represents the COO at meetings and ensures appropriate follow-up on outcomes and action items to ensure continuity in operations and decision-making.
• Anticipates and identifies operational challenges and develops innovative solutions to address them.
• Works to preempt potential issues, developing strategies that ensure smooth implementation of strategic initiatives.

Internal Communications

• Coordinates internal communications to ensure clear, concise, and consistent messaging across all departments. Develops and implements strategies and plans to ensure effective internal communication flow, ensuring that staff and faculty are informed and engaged.
• Drafts memos, reports, presentations, and other materials, ensures alignment with the organization's objectives and tone.
• Supports internal initiatives and engagement activities to promote a positive culture and atmosphere. Serves as a bridge between the COO's office and the CBS community, ensuring transparency and clarity in communications.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required. Advanced degree is desirable . Minimum of 7-9 years of experience in project management, administrative operations, or strategic leadership roles, preferably within higher education or a complex organizational structure.
• Proven track record of managing large-scale projects and strategic initiatives.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Discretion and the ability to handle sensitive matters confidentially.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or other relevant advanced degree preferred.
• Familiarity with the higher education landscape and its challenges.
• Experience working with senior leadership in complex organizations.
• Expertise in process improvement and change management.

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.