Assistant Director - M.ARCH Program

Columbia University in the City of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia University in the City of New York is seeking an Assistant Director to manage the Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program within GSAPP. You will oversee daily administrative, academic, and financial operations, serving as the main liaison to university offices, faculty, students, and alumni.

Reporting to the Director and collaborating with senior administrators, you will ensure policy compliance, plan curricula, and support student experiences while coordinating with events, travel, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.
• 3–5 years of relevant experience required.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Program Administration: support daily admin and HR functions; help process personnel docs; train and manage support staff and student workers; oversee scheduling and room assignments.
• Budget: monitor spending, financial reporting, and compliance; manage fellowship/assistant budgets; liaise with Architecture faculty and Finance Office.
• Student Advising and Career Services: advise on degree requirements; coordinate student initiatives; assist with career events and employer relations; publish employment opportunities.
• Admissions and Outreach: handle admissions and award processes; coordinate with Communications Office for consistent messaging; plan events and graduations; manage outreach logistics.
• Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or equivalent; 3–5 years experience; strong communication; ability to prioritize and handle confidential matters.
• Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree; experience in Architecture; desirable for academic setting.

Skills

Communication skills

Written and verbal communication

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week:
• Standard Work Schedule: Monday - Friday
• Building: Avery Hall
• Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000

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 Director of the Master of Architecture Program (M.Arch) in the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP), the Assistant Director is responsible for managing the daily activities of GSAPP’s Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program. The Assistant Director is responsible for managing a range of academic, administrative, and financial matters that support the student experience, as well as ensure compliance with University and GSAPP policies and procedures. The Assistant Director serves as the program's main liaison to University administrative offices, faculty, students, alumni, and the general public. Collaborates with University and GSAPP offices to ensure the smooth operation of the program.

Responsibilities

Program Administration (40%)

1. Working closely with the Program Director and Senior Associate Dean for Administration and Faculty Affairs is responsible for the daily administrative and human resources functions of the programs including assisting the Director in determining personnel and addressing faculty concerns.
2. Works closely with the Senior Associate Dean for Administration and Faculty Affairs in the processing of documentation and the administration of faculty and student appointments; explains University benefits and policies.
3. Responsible for compliance with University student officer, casual and support staff human resources policies, e.g. staff oversight, timesheet submissions, etc. Trains and manages workload for support staff and student workers.
4. Assists GSAPP senior management (Associate Deans) in reviewing curricular planning, curriculum proposal, faculty teaching schedules and class times, and room assignments.
5. Prepares all program materials for duplication, from program outline to faculty curriculum materials. Works closely with the Program Director and faculty to oversee material production within scheduled deadlines.
6. Manages student course-related travel.
7. Assist faculty in the processing of travel and business reimbursements.
8. Assists the Director in the collection of information and processing of honorariums.
9. Works closely with the Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs in the preparation of materials required by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) for annual reports and periodic accreditation reviews.
10. Assists the Director in grant writing and fundraising efforts.

Budget (20%)

1. Under the direction of the Senior Associate Dean for Administration and Faculty Affairs, is responsible for preventing overdrafts, recommends level of spending, works with Finance Office in resolving financial problems, maintains financial reporting and control systems, monitors program expenses, and oversees compliance with University and GSAPP policies and procedures.
2. Under the direction of the Senior Associate Dean for Administration and Faculty Affairs monitors fellowship/assistant budget.
3. Serves as the main point of contact for faculty and is the liaison between Architecture faculty and the Finance Office.

Student Advising and Career Services (20%)

1. Under the direction of the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs advises students on courses to satisfy the appropriate degree requirements and assists with registration procedures.
2. Coordinates with student council and program student organizations to advance student initiatives.
3. Under the direction of the Associate Dean for Development and Alumni Relations assists with career services events, workshops, and recruitment events with prospective employers, and helps maintain relationships with prospective employers, including alumni, to encourage the hiring of students.
4. Creates communications strategy that may include (newsletter, weekly email list serves) to post/advertise employment opportunities (full time and part time) as well as career related information.
5. Collects/analyzes accurate placement statistics, generate reports that will inform decisions on future activities as necessary.

Admissions and Outreach (10%)

1. Under the direction of the Associate Dean of Admissions and Outreach, oversees aspects of admissions and fellowship/assistant awards, including contact with prospective students.
2. Under the direction of the Associate Dean of Admissions and Outreach and the Directorof Events and Programs, works with GSAPP's Communication Office to ensure consistent messaging and outreach.
3. Assists with graduation issues and logistics, planning and logistics for orientation, logistics for lectures and logistics for other program events.
4. Manages all aspects of program-related event planning, including coordinating with Program Directors, events staff, technology staff, and participants.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and/or its equivalent experience required. Three to five years of relevant experience required.

Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills required.

Demonstrated ability to function independently and exercise discretion and independent judgment in interpreting and applying University and GSAPP policies and procedures; assessing complex administrative, academic, personnel, financial, and student-related matters; determining appropriate courses of action; and resolving issues within established policies and procedures.

Ability to independently prioritize competing demands, evaluate alternatives, anticipate potential issues, and make recommendations to senior leadership regarding administrative and operational matters affecting the program.

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects and deadlines, exercise sound judgment in handling sensitive and confidential matters, and work effectively with faculty, students, senior administrators, and external stakeholders.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Work experience in an academic setting highly desirable.

Some evening and occasional weekend work required.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree preferred.

Work experience in the field of Architecture preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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