Assistant Director - Intro to Architecture Program

Columbia University; New York (NY); On-site; USD 37,000 - 45,000; Part time

Job summary

Columbia University in New York seeks an Assistant Director to support GSAPP’s Intro to Architecture Summer Program, reporting to the Program Director. The role focuses on student recruitment, program promotion, and coordination of admissions activities.

The responsibilities include outreach to institutions and clubs, managing applications and deadlines, coordinating lectures and schedules, selecting instructors, and tracking program data to inform future outreach.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; 3–5 years of experience preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with digital platforms (Google Workspace, Zoom, design tools).

Responsibilities

• Supports outreach, recruitment, and admissions promotion.
• Manages logistics, onboarding, and program communications.
• Coordinates class schedules, guest lectures, and instructors.
• Tracks admissions data and trends for outreach strategies.
• Collaborates with GSAPP Communications and Admissions teams.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Architectural education

Digital platforms

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Google Workspace

Zoom

Job description

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary
• End Date if Temporary: 12/31/2027
• Hours Per Week: 20
• Standard Work Schedule: Monday - Friday
• Building: Avery Hall
• Salary Range: $41,142 - $41,142

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 Director of the Intro to Architecture Program, the Assistant Director supports the planning, outreach, and execution of Columbia GSAPP’s Intro to Architecture Summer Program, working directly under the supervision of the Program Director. This role plays a key part instudent recruitment and program promotion, while also overseeinglogistics, onboarding, and administrative coordination to ensure a smooth and impactful admissions cycle and student experience.

Responsibilities

Outreach, Marketing & Recruitment:

• Collaborates with the Director and Dean to develop and implement strategies toincrease awareness and enrollmentin the Intro to Architecture Program.
• Assists in managingpromotional efforts, including social media content, email campaigns, newsletters, and digital advertisements.
• Conducts outreach to undergraduate institutions, student groups, faculty, alumni, and architecture clubs to distribute promotional materials and expand the applicant pool.
• Coordinates with GSAPP Communications and Admissions teams to ensure cohesive branding and messaging.
• Coordination of academic outreach contacts and alumni database.

Application & Enrollment Support (25%):

• Monitors application submissions and strategically develops pipelines to supportseamless transitions into the program and school.
• Maintains communication with applicants, providing timely information aboutdeadlines, program structure, and admissions criteria.
• Tracks admissions data and trends to inform and improve targeted outreach efforts.

Program Administration & Operations (25%):

• Supports the Director in managing program logistics and ensuring all relevant materials are archived, distributed, and communicated effectively.
• Assists in the coordination of class schedules, guest lectures, and other programming needs as necessary.
• Support in the identification of instructors, selection,and supervision.
• Coordination of curriculum communication, positioning, and evolution.
• Coordination of the program’s public program, events, and communications.
• Management of operations and facilities in coordination with the School’s operation teams and their equivalents in other venues.

Program Evaluation & Reporting (20%):

• Collects and analyzes student feedback, enrollment data, and recruitment performance to inform future strategy and improve program delivery.
• Support in reporting on the program’s performance.
• Assists with end-of-program wrap-up tasks, including archiving student work and compiling program documentation for future advertising and reference.

Performs other related duties as assigned and/or requested. (5%)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required. Must have a minimum of 3-5 years of experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency with digital platforms (e.g., Google Workspace, Zoom, design tools, etc.).
• Highly organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
• Strong interest in architectural education and outreach; prior experience with GSAPP or similar academic programs is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in architecture, design, communications, education, or a related fieldpreferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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