Associate Director, Executive Education

Columbia University in the City of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 72,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia University in the City of New York seeks an Associate Director to oversee Executive Education programs, driving development, delivery, and renewal of Open Enrollment, Custom, Online, and Blended formats. You will lead high-visibility programs, advise clients, and differentiate CBS offerings from peers.

You will collaborate with faculty and staff to ensure program excellence, while expanding business opportunities and maintaining strong external relationships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent required; 3–5 years of related experience preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Detail oriented with initiative and task prioritization.
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently and in teams.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and Internet use; Salesforce experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manages a portfolio of open and custom programs, coordinating logistics and content with participants and clients.
• Provides on-site support for program delivery and oversees material production and quality control.
• Sets up virtual course sites and coordinates virtual sessions and webinars; manages learning tech.
• Plans and coordinates events with faculty, facilities, and vendors; maintains client/vendor relationships.
• Drives program evaluations and after-action reviews to improve future iterations; supports renewals and new business with clients.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Detail oriented

Initiative

Multitasking

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Internet

Salesforce

Job description

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $72,000 - $82,000

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 Senior Associate Director, Operations, the Associate Director oversees a portfolio of Open Enrollment, Custom, Online, and Blended programs in all phases of development and delivery while independently overseeing their portfolio’s expansion and renewal and/or of specific strategic functions necessary to ensure the smooth execution of Executive Education programs and initiatives. This person will take the lead with the most demanding, high visibility programs while demonstrating a track record of helping to drive new business development. This individual will demonstrate working knowledge of the Executive Education portfolio and how to differentiate offerings between Columbia Executive Education and its peers and will play an advisory role to participants and clients.

About Columbia Business School

For over a century, Columbia Business School has developed leaders and builders of enterprises who create value for their organizations and society. Through our MBA, MS, PhD, and Executive Education programs, CBS prepares students to lead in a rapidly changing world.

Our cutting-edge curriculum, STEM-certified programs, and immersive experiential learning opportunities equip students to thrive in areas such as digital transformation, entrepreneurship, twenty-first-century finance, the intersection of business and society, and climate and sustainability.

CBS administration enables the School’s educational and scholarly mission through strategic and operational excellence. We are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and high-performing community that drives innovation and impact from the very center of business.

Responsibilities

Program Management & Delivery

• Manages a portfolio of both open and custom programs, closely communicating with participants and clients regarding logistics and program content both pre- and post-program.
• Manages a functional area (e.g., Program Management communications, online course delivery, administrative/operational management, in-person facilitation, external venue sourcing and scheduling); as assigned. Provides on-site support for both residential and non-residential programs.
• Oversees and sources all program materials including faculty curriculum materials, readings, assessment and supplies. Works closely with Production staff to oversee material production and quality control within scheduled deadlines.
• Works to set up virtual course sites, and manages the hardware and software required for the learning experience. Coordinates virtual course sessions and webinars or online communities as needed.
• Manages all aspects of event planning for programs including coordinating with faculty director and participating faculty, University facilities, external venue staff, technology staff and participants. Maintains and cultivates good working relationships with external vendors.
• Conducts after-action reviews after each program delivery and makes adjustments to future iterations in coordination with faculty and senior staff members.

Client & Faculty Engagement

• Partners with the Custom Programs team to source information for new program proposals; attend client meetings to provide Program Management insights in the early phases of client relationships; understands the Program Agreement for each program within one’s assigned portfolio; drives renewals of contracts; drives new business with existing clients.
• Understands faculty compensation agreements for each program within one’s assigned portfolio; Drafts faculty and speaker commitment letters 30 days prior to the start of programs for review and approval.
• Manages program evaluation process, collating and evaluating data and feedback for faculty and corporate clients to ensure the program is achieving the highest level of quality and effectiveness. Schedules after-action reviews as necessary to review program feedback with relevant faculty, staff, and client contacts.

Financial Oversight

• In conjunction with the Senior Associate Director, Operations, and the Financial Planning Office, manages the expense tracking sheet for each program. Provides clients with an estimate of reimbursables 30 days after the close of a program. Works to monitor profit and loss for each program within one’s portfolio.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and/or its equivalent required. 3-5 years of related experience required.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Detail orientated and proven track record of taking initiative and is able to anticipate and prioritize tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to perform non-routine work, manage multiple projects simultaneously and work independently, as well as within teams.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and Internet utilization.
• Ability to travel to programs and visit possible venues, both domestically and internationally.
• Ability to cultivate relationships among alumni and past participants.
• Some evenings and weekends are necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in event management, project management and Salesforce a plus.
• Proficiency in additional languages strongly preferred, including but not limited to Chinese, Arabic, French, Japanese, Italian, Brazilian, Portuguese.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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