Coordinator, ISERP

Columbia University in the City of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 62,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia University in the City of New York’s Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy (ISERP) seeks a Coordinator to be the primary contact for faculty, staff, and visitors, handling inquiries, directing visitors, and onboarding affiliates. The role supports operations, events, and program initiatives.

Responsibilities include administrative and event support, facilities coordination, accounts payable and reconciliations, and supervision of Work Study students, with some evening or

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required.
• Experience in an academic environment preferred.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Administrative and event support across ISERP operations.
• Facilities and space management across IAB and TIC buildings.
• Financial support including accounts payable, reconciliations and reporting.
• HR and student timesheets processing and staff engagement activities.

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

College degree

Tools

Columbia systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Job Type: Support Staff - Union
• Bargaining Unit: Local 2110
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building: Interchurch (61 Claremont Avenue)
• Salary Range: $62,396 - $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

Reporting to the Director of Administration and Finance (DAF) of the Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy (ISERP), the Coordinator serves as the primary point of contact for ISERP’s faculty, staff, and visitors. The incumbent will answer inquiries, direct visitors to appropriate personnel, and orient new affiliates to ISERP’s organization, spaces, and resources.

The Coordinator will also assist and liaise with staff on programmatic initiatives, event planning, facilities management, accounts payable, procurement transactions, reconciliations, reporting, and processing student casual timesheets.

The Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy (ISERP) is Columbia University’s research institute dedicated to the social sciences. ISERP supports researchers, faculty, students, and social science research through research development, education, and training programs, centers, and programmatic initiatives.

Responsibilities

Administrative and Event Support -35%:

• Serve as a welcoming first point of contact for faculty, staff, students, and visitors to the Institute.
• Provide in-person office coverage during regular business hours and respond to walk-in inquiries and day-to-day operational needs.
• Manage the ISERP-General inquiries inbox by monitoring incoming communications, prioritizing requests, routing messages to appropriate staff members, and tracking follow-up items.
• Partner with the DAF on Executive Committee-related activities, including scheduling meetings, communicating details, preparing materials, and coordinating catering.
• Assist with the coordination of annual Advisory Board meetings.
• Support programmatic initiatives, including distributing announcements and providing on-site event support.
• Provide administrative support to labs and programs within the Institute.
• Coordinate with speakers and participants; liaise with vendors for event materials and branding.
• Collaborate with University offices on event planning and execution, including events held at off-campus locations that may require local travel and evening or occasional weekend hours.
• Maintain the College Walk display to promote ISERP events.
• Update and maintain the website content by reviewing, editing, and publishing information to ensure accuracy and timely updates.
• Draft and distribute emails and web announcements to ISERP affiliates.
• Assist the DAF in scheduling biweekly staff meetings and internal events.
• Maintain office supplies, equipment, and inventory, including brochures and swag, and manage all supply orders for ISERP and related events.

Facilities and Space Management - 30%:

• Manage office, conference, and storage space across the International Affairs Building (IAB) and the Interchurch Center (TIC).
• Maintain occupancy records and coordinate building access for TIC and IAB by communicating with appropriate building staff and Public Safety.
• Track furniture inventory and conduct regular walk-throughs to ensure upkeep.
• Liaise with TIC, CU Facilities, and IT staff for space and equipment maintenance.
• Schedule conference room usage and coordinate AV setup.
• Communicate updates regarding repairs or building issues to occupants.
• Submit and track service requests with Columbia and TIC staff.
• Maintain inventory records, including off-site storage files.

Financial Support - 25%:

• Process accounts payable procurement transactions (e.g., Concur reimbursement, vouchers).
• Assist with reconciliations and financial reporting for unrestricted and restricted projects.
• Maintain a departmental P-Card, including purchasing and reconciliation.
• Reconcile phone and internet expenses using Pinnacle reports.

HR/Student Timesheets - 10%:

• Serve as backup support for student casual payroll processing, including timesheet review and reminders.
• Assist with staff engagement activities and team-building initiatives.
• Assist with selecting, training, assigning, and overseeing Work Study students who provide administrative support and monitor their hours.
• Help coordinate Work Study assignments across office functions to ensure timely and accurate completion.
• Maintain standard operating procedures for Work Study students.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or its equivalent and three years of related experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• A College degree.
• Experience in an academic environment.
• Familiarity with the Columbia systems is a plus.

Other Requirements

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication and interpersonal skills required.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to maintain high confidentiality and professionalism with a client focus.
• Strong multitasking and prioritization skills.
• Attention to detail, critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Work well in an interactive team environment.
• Ability to travel locally and work evening or occasional weekend hours.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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