Undergraduate Program Manager

Columbia University; New York (NY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia University in New York oversees the day-to-day administration of the Department’s undergraduate program, coordinating student advising, communications, and program initiatives that support student success and program quality.

The Undergraduate Program Manager works with faculty, students, and university offices to ensure effective program delivery, adherence to policies, and a positive student experience across major offerings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with at least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in academic administration preferred.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Knowledge of university systems is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary administrative liaison among undergraduate students, the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Columbia College, the School of General Studies, and the Registrar’s Office.
• Coordinate with advising and student support offices across the University to support student advising and degree progression.
• Manage the faculty advisor assignment process for declared majors and maintain records of faculty advising assignments.
• Administer the department’s Graduate Student Advisers Program and coordinate appointments and training.
• Maintain coordination with the Registrar’s Office and undergraduate offices to address student issues and ensure resolution.
• Co-supervise the Academic Affairs Coordinator with the Director of Academic Administration and Finance.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $80,000 - $85,000

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 Academic Administration and Finance (DAAF) and working closely with the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) and the Department Chair, the Undergraduate Program Manager oversees the day-to-day administration and coordination of the Department’s undergraduate program, one of the largest programs within the Arts and Sciences division. The role manages program operations, student advising coordination, communications, and academic and co-curricular initiatives that support student success and program quality. The incumbent works closely with faculty, students, and university offices to ensure effective program delivery, consistent application of academic policies, and a positive student experience.

The Department of Political Science at Columbia University was founded in 1880 and was the first of its kind in the country. Today, it is one of the university's largest departments, serving one of the largest undergraduate majors on campus and annually attracting an elite group of graduate students. Its faculty includes leaders and prizewinners in every subfield in the discipline. Its graduates lead global and domestic private and public sector organizations and serve as professors at world-class colleges and universities in the U.S. and abroad.

*** Please submit a cover letter with your application ***

Responsibilities

Undergraduate Program Administration and Student Advising Coordination

• Serve as the primary administrative liaison between undergraduate students, the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Columbia College, the School of General Studies, and the Registrar’s Office.
• Coordinate with advising and student support offices across the University, including the Berick Center for Student Advising, Academic Advising in the School of General Studies, the Center for Career Education, the Center for Undergraduate Global Engagement, and the Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Office, to support student advising and degree progression.
• Manage the faculty advisor assignment process for declared majors and maintain records of faculty advising assignments.
• Administer the department’s Graduate Student Advisers Program, including coordinating appointments and training for graduate student advisers who support undergraduate major advising.
• Maintain coordination with the Registrar’s Office and undergraduate administrative offices to address student-related issues and ensure appropriate resolution.
• Co-supervise, with the Director of Academic Administration and Finance, the work of the Academic Affairs Coordinator.

Academic Program Operations and Curriculum Coordination

• Partner with faculty committees to implement departmental policies and procedures related to the undergraduate program.
• Compile and analyze program data to prepare reports that support departmental decision-making by faculty leadership and committees.
• Assist faculty leadership in benchmarking the department’s undergraduate program against peer institutions.
• Maintain program records and support the consistent application of academic policies and procedures.

Student Engagement, Communications, and Program Initiatives

• Develop and coordinate programming that supports academic enrichment and community building within the undergraduate program, including workshops, advising initiatives, and informational sessions related to academic planning and undergraduate study in political science.
• Engage Arts and Sciences and undergraduate school alumni organizations to develop alumni engagement with students and department-driven initiatives and events.
• Organize departmental events and outreach activities for prospective majors and current students, partnering with centers, institutes, and other university units as relevant and appropriate.
• Serve as administrative adviser to the Political Science Students Association and the Undergraduate Student Advisory Board.
• Coordinate departmental participation in university-wide student engagement events, including the Academic Resources Fair and activities with alumni.
• Develop and manage communications to undergraduate students regarding program policies, deadlines, opportunities, and events, including program newsletters and announcements.
• Coordinate processes related to undergraduate honors and prizes.
• Assist with graduation clearance reviews and verification of degree requirements.

Assessment, Reporting, and Program Improvement

• Coordinate program assessment initiatives, including student exit interviews and surveys related to program quality and student experience.
• Analyze survey results and prepare summary reports for faculty leadership to inform program improvements.
• Support faculty leadership in evaluating the operational impact of changes to program requirements and assist with developing procedures to support implementation.
• Facilitate communication with faculty committees, advisers, and students regarding updates to program policies and requirements.

Financial and Operational Management

• Monitor and administer the undergraduate program budget.
• Coordinate with departmental leadership on operational needs related to the undergraduate program.
• Manage special projects and initiatives that support the administration and development of the undergraduate program.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in an academic environment and familiarity with the discipline of political science.
• Advanced degree strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of university academic systems and procedures.

Other Requirements

• Event and weekend work may be required to meet program needs.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain high confidentiality and professionalism with a client focus.
• Strong multi-tasking, prioritization, and organization skills.
• Attention to detail, research, critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Self-starter, a fast learner who can work independently under limited supervision.
• Work well in an interactive team environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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