Operations Specialist

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $62,400 to $65,000

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 Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science is looking for a team player and self-starter to join the online department, Columbia Video Network, as the Operations Specialist. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Operations and Support, the Operations Specialist assists in application processing, onboarding of new students, and alumni development and establishes and implements operational workflow improvements. This position will provide technical expertise and support in maintaining and improving processes with the student information system and key ancillary support systems.

Responsibilities

• (30%) Responsible for managing key day-to-day admissions processes and data operations, including overseeing the review of graduate admissions applications. Duties include but are not limited to leading all application document management, including confirming official test scores and online application data to Student Information Systems (SIS); analyzing applicant data; querying applicant data into the online application system; reporting on the integrity of admitted students credentials; analyzing admissions decision data, and communicating admissions decisions, policies, and procedures; serve as the primary point of contact for applicants and as an admissions liaison to academic departments.
• (25%) Ensures the application standards of all assigned disciplines are met. Follow-up conversations with student applicants and/or applicants' recommenders to gather any additional materials needed. Creates and oversees the student onboarding process and acts as the primary point of contact for students during this critical and impressionable moment of the student life cycle. Set up and track the completion of required onboarding modules. Assist with the ID process. Student communication and follow-up
• (20%)Prepare ad-hoc admissions and enrollment reports as needed for enrollment management, yield planning, annual surveys, and other data reporting needs. Perform data entry on inquiries and applications (including test scores, transcripts, and other application materials), upload inquiries data files and application materials, design and run queries in application systems, and complete daily maintenance work for data quality.
• (15%) Develops communications and relationships with alumni, including the distribution, collection, and synthesization of feedback from alumni surveys. Evaluate and keep alumni reports up to date.
• (10%) Performs related duties & responsibilities as assigned/requested on behalf of the University and the Office of Graduate Student Affairs, including but not limited to orientation, graduation, and other programming and events.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or its equivalent. Minimum 1-2 years of experience in a related area.
• Work independently.
• An understanding of innovative uses of technology in admissions workflow processes.
• Strong communication skills are a must (written and verbal).
• Strong judgment and excellent people-management skills are a must.
• Competency for analyzing application-related data and assessing programming activities as part of a strategic enrollment planning initiative.
• Competency in the use of query tools and software utilized to collect and process applicant data is required.
• Proven strong Excel skills (vlookup, functions, pivot tables).
• Strong background and proven record in execution and problem-solving under general supervision on administrative matters and demonstrate both excellent working relationships and strong communication skills.

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.