Position Summary
Reporting to the Assistant Director of Student Affairs & Engagement, the Program Manager independently manages the day-to-day operations of multiple Student Affairs programs and initiatives that enhance the student experience at the Columbia Climate School. The incumbent is responsible for planning, implementing, and administering assigned program areas, including student government and student organizations, student funding programs, professional development and alumni initiatives, experiential learning activities, and academic accommodation processes. The Program Manager exercises independent judgment in interpreting and applying University policies and established procedures, resolving routine operational issues, and coordinating with faculty, students, and University offices to ensure effective program delivery.
The Program Manager serves as the primary operational resource for assigned student affairs programs, developing and maintaining standard operating procedures, managing program communications and administrative processes, monitoring student organization budgets and funding activities, coordinating student appointments and events, and ensuring compliance with University policies and deadlines. The incumbent identifies opportunities to improve program operations, recommends process enhancements, and collaborates with colleagues across the Climate School and University to deliver high-quality student services while supporting the School's educational mission.
Responsibilities
Student Government and Student Group Support:
- Independently manages the day-to-day operations of the Climate School's student government and student organizations in accordance with Columbia University policies and procedures.
- Develops, implements, and maintains standard operating procedures, guidance materials, and external-facing resources that promote consistent administration of student organizations.
- Serves as the primary administrative resource for student groups, independently resolving routine operational issues and advising student leaders on University policies, procedures, and funding requirements.
- Facilitates regular meetings between student organizations and Climate School leadership, tracks action items, and ensures timely completion of follow-up activities.
- Monitors student organization budgets, processes payments and reimbursements, reconciles expenditures, and identifies discrepancies or issues requiring resolution.
Student Funding Programs:
- Manages the day-to-day administration of the Climate School's student funding programs, including Internship, Research Assistantship, Travel Grant, Course Support, Collaborative Research Grant, and Summer Research Experience Program.
- Independently coordinates the full project selection process, including application cycles, proposal review logistics, communications, award notifications, and documentation.
- Interprets program guidelines and advises students and faculty on eligibility requirements, funding processes, and applicable University policies.
- Coordinates student hiring and appointment processes, monitors progress to ensure timely completion of hiring and payment activities, and works with University offices to resolve routine administrative issues.
- Evaluates program workflows, identifies opportunities to improve administrative processes, and recommends operational enhancements to improve efficiency and service delivery.
Event Management for Professional Development, Experiential Learning, and Alumni Programs:
- Manages the planning and operational execution of professional development programming, including career workshops, networking events, alumni engagement activities, and skills seminars.
- Coordinates experiential learning processes, including capstone project administration, practicum approvals, and student mentoring initiatives, ensuring compliance with established program requirements and deadlines.
- Collaborates with faculty, staff, alumni, and external partners to coordinate programming, resolve operational issues, and ensure successful program delivery.
Disability Services:
- Coordinates the implementation of academic accommodations recommended by the Office of Disability Services in collaboration with faculty, students, and University partners.
- Interprets accommodation requirements and independently coordinates implementation, including course materials, note-taking support, testing accommodations, proctor scheduling, and room assignments.
- Monitors accommodation requests throughout the semester to ensure timely service delivery and compliance with University policies, escalating complex or sensitive matters when appropriate.
Other Duties:
- Exercises independent judgment in prioritizing multiple program responsibilities, resolving operational issues, and ensuring timely completion of program activities within established policies and procedures.
- Develops and maintains program records, tracking systems, and operational documentation to support accurate reporting, compliance, and continuous improvement.
- Performs other duties as needed for a collaborative Student Affairs team
Minimum Qualifications
- A Bachelor's degree and/or its equivalent is required, with at least two to four years of work experience in either higher education administration, program management, communications, or related roles.
- User-level proficiency with Microsoft Office (especially Excel) or Google Workspace, with the ability to effectively use spreadsheets (Excel or Google Sheets) to organize information, track data, and support collaborative workflows.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, work collaboratively across teams, and exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in a complex academic environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Graduate degree is strongly preferred. Candidates with an interest in and/or experience related to climate, sustainability, and/or environment preferred.
- Understanding of generative AI tools and how to apply them in professional settings is a bonus.
