Variable Hours Officer - Auxiliary Admissions Reader

Columbia University in the City of New York; New York (NY); Remote; USD 55,000 - 69,000; Part time

Job summary

Columbia Law School’s J.D. Office of Admissions seeks a temporary Auxiliary Admissions Reader to assist in reviewing more than 8,000 applications. The reader reports to the Executive Director of Admissions and helps evaluate applicants using established policies and criteria.

Training is provided. The role runs from October through April, with readers available to complete reviews within deadlines, while maintaining strict confidentiality and attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 3–5 years related admissions or higher education experience preferred.
• Prior experience reviewing applications or evaluating written materials is a plus.
• Familiarity with admissions policies and evaluation criteria is beneficial.
• Strong written communication and ability to synthesize information.

Responsibilities

• Review assigned J.D. applications using the online review platform.
• Evaluate materials including transcripts, test scores, resumes, essays, and recommendations.
• Assess applications per established guidelines and assign ratings.
• Prepare clear written assessments of candidates’ qualifications.
• Identify information gaps or questions for further review by staff.
• Complete queues at a steady pace while maintaining quality.
• Meet deadlines and maintain confidentiality of materials and deliberations.

Skills

Written communication

Analytical skills

Time management

Independent work

Attention to detail

Discretion

Education

Bachelor’s degree

J.D. or graduate degree preferred

Job description

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary
• End Date if Temporary: 4/30/2027
• Hours Per Week: 20
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $40 - $50/hour

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

Columbia Law School’s J.D. Office of Admissions seeks a temporary Auxiliary Admissions Reader to assist in the review of the more than 8,000 applications to the J.D. program. The Auxiliary Admissions Reader reports to the Executive Director of Admissions. Auxiliary Admissions Readers play an important role in supporting the admissions selection process by conducting careful, thorough, and timely reviews of assigned applications.

Working through an online application-review platform, Auxiliary Admissions Readers evaluate application materials in accordance with established J.D. Admissions policies, procedures, and evaluation criteria. Training is provided and required before readers begin reviewing applications.

The position generally runs from October through April, and Auxiliary Admissions Readers must be available throughout the admissions cycle to complete assigned application reviews within established deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Review assigned J.D. applications thoroughly and consistently using the Office of Admissions’ online review platform.
• Evaluate materials that may include the application form, undergraduate and graduate transcripts, standardized test scores, resumes, short-answer responses and essays, letters of recommendation, and other supporting materials.
• Assess applications in accordance with established Office of Admissions guidelines and evaluation criteria.
• Assign appropriate ratings within predetermined evaluation categories.
• Prepare clear and accurate written assessments summarizing each applicant’s academic, professional, personal, and other relevant qualifications.
• Identify significant information, inconsistencies, or questions in an application that may warrant additional review by Office of Admissions staff.
• Complete assigned application queues at an expected pace of approximately eight to twelve applications per hour, while maintaining the quality and thoroughness required by the Office of Admissions.
• Meet established review deadlines and manage assigned workload independently.
• Maintain strict confidentiality with respect to applicants, application materials, admissions deliberations, and institutional information.
• Participate in required training and follow all Office of Admissions policies, procedures, and instructions concerning application review.
• Communicate promptly with Office of Admissions staff regarding questions, workload concerns, technical issues, or circumstances that may affect the timely completion of assigned reviews.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 3-5 years related experience in admissions, student affairs, recruiting, law, higher education, or another relevant field preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• J.D. or other graduate or professional degree strongly preferred.
• 5-7 years of professional experience in admissions, student affairs, recruiting, law, higher education, or another relevant field preferred.
• Prior experience reviewing applications, evaluating candidates, or making assessments based on complex written materials.
• Familiarity with higher education, legal education, or selective admissions processes.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to synthesize substantial amounts of information and produce concise, thoughtful written assessments.
• Strong reading comprehension and analytical skills.
• Strong oral communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated attention to detail and sound judgment.
• Ability to work independently, exercise discretion, and consistently apply established evaluation standards.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage a significant volume of work and meet expectations under tight deadlines.
• Ability to work on a computer for extended periods of time.
• Reliable access to a computer and high-speed internet connection suitable for remote work.
• Availability throughout the admissions review cycle, generally October through April, including over the winter holiday break.
• Availability to attend two required in-person training sessions.
• Must be able to work with diverse constituencies and support an inclusive work environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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