Assistant Director - New York/Paris Program

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

Job summary

Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation seeks an Assistant Director for the NY/Paris Program. This role expands outreach, enhances recruitment, and streamlines program administration from application through completion.

The position emphasizes partnerships with undergrad institutions, alumni networks, and international outreach to grow a diverse applicant pool. 20 hrs/week, temporary appointment through 12/31/2027.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; 3–5 years of experience.
• Experience in academic program coordination, outreach, or marketing (architecture/design education preferred).
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in digital tools and platforms.
• Self-starter who is organized, detail-oriented, and can manage multiple priorities part-time.

Responsibilities

• Outreach, Marketing & Recruitment: develop and implement strategies to raise awareness and enrollment.
• Admissions & Applicant Support: respond to inquiries and support admissions process.
• Program Administration: coordinate logistics, venues, and maintain records.
• Evaluation & Reporting: collect feedback and assist with reporting.
• Performs other related duties as assigned (5%).

Skills

Communication

Digital tools

Organization

Multitasking

Part-time capacity

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

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 New York/Paris Program, the Assistant Director plays a vital role in supporting the development, promotion, and administration of Columbia's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation's New York/Paris Program. This role is focused on expanding the reach and visibility of the program - both domestically and internationally - through strategic recruitment, outreach, and communications.

This position is ideal for someone passionate about architectural education who is eager to grow awareness of the program, help attract a diverse and talented applicant pool, and ensure a seamless experience for students from application through program completion.

Responsibilities

Outreach, Marketing & Recruitment (25%):

• Collaborates with the Program Director and GSAPP leadership to develop and implement outreach and marketing strategies aimed at increasing awareness and enrollment in the N.Y. / Paris Program.
• Leads recruitment efforts by building connections with undergraduate institutions, faculty, student organizations, alumni, and architecture-related networks worldwide.
• Coordinates the creation and distribution of promotional materials-and email campaigns, newsletters, presentations, and social media content-in collaboration with GSAPP's Communications and Admissions teams.
• Tracks outreach efforts and assesses engagement data to refine recruitment strategies and identify new growth opportunities.
• Coordination of academic outreach contacts and alumni database.

Admissions & Applicant Support (25%):

• Serves as a primary point of contact for prospective students, responding to inquiries and providing detailed information about application requirements, program structure, and important deadlines.
• Monitors application submissions and supports the admissions process to ensure a smooth onboarding experience for accepted students.
• Analyzes application and enrollment data to help shape targeted outreach and identify areas for growth.

Program Administration (25%):

• Assists in coordinating key program logistics, including academic scheduling, guest lectures, and special events.
• Maintains accurate records and documentation of program activities, communications, and outreach outcomes.
• Supports onboarding of students and faculty to ensure all parties are prepared and informed prior to the start of the program.
• 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.

Evaluation & Reporting (20%):

• Collects student feedback and enrollment data to evaluate program effectiveness and inform future planning.
• Support in reporting on the program's performance.
• Assists with post-program wrap-up, including the archiving of student work, curating content for future marketing use, and compiling internal reports.

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

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required. Must have 3-5 years of experience.
• Demonstrated experience or strong interest in academic program coordination, outreach, or marketing- particularly in architecture or design education.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in digital tools and platforms.
• Self-starter who is organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a part-time capacity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in architecture, design, communications, education, or a related field preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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