Teachers College - Jobs - Job Details - Director of Academic Administration

Job Summary/Basic Function:

The Department of Education Policy and Social Analysis at Teachers College, Columbia University, seeks a Director of Academic Administration (DAA). The Department houses four academic master's and doctoral programs, and comprises 18 full-time faculty and approximately 300 enrolled students.

Reporting to the Department Chair, the DAA has primary responsibility for the administration of departmental resources, including budget, finances, personnel, the provision of student and faculty services, and oversight of all projects in the department. The position requires substantial competence with both academic and administrative systems in institutions of higher education. The DAA provides continuity for the department by developing institutional knowledge of past and present policies and practices.

The successful candidate will have:

• Experience in the development and administration of budgets, and knowledge of academic administration systems such as Banner and PageUp.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both oral and written
• The ability to exercise tact, discretion, and diplomacy in charged situations
• The ability to anticipate problems and craft creative solutions in a complex, ambiguous environment
• The capacity to nourish a healthy, supportive, and effective environment for staff, faculty, and students

The DAA will have the ability to work independently, but will seek advice and counsel from the Department Chair and others when appropriate. A deep appreciation and understanding of the teaching, research, and service missions of the Department of Education Policy and Social Analysis and of Teachers College is essential.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manage the Departmental Budget

• Develop and manage the department's operational budget according to departmental priorities and institutional policies.
• Consult with Department Chair and Program Directors on budgetary needs and preferences.
• Manage non-operational budget resources from internal and external grants, gifts, and contracts.
• Review and approve budgeted actions.
• Analyze and prepare recommendations to the Dean's office on non-budgeted actions.
• Maintain and oversee department budget record-keeping systems.
• Direct purchases and coordinate maintenance of academic department equipment, space, and other facilities.
• Manage accounts payable and receivable items
• Manage communications and outreach to internal and external vendors.
• Manage the department's financial aid budget, including financial support packages for doctoral students and associated personnel appointments.

Manage the Administration of the Department 

• Act as liaison with other College academic and administrative units on behalf of the department and/or Department Chair.
• Manage the employment and hiring process for full-time and part-time administrative staff, and assist with the hiring and retention of faculty, in accordance with College and department AA/EEO procedures.
• Supervise Program Managers and other departmental administrative staff, including oversight of hiring, training, performance appraisals, employee development, disciplinary actions, conflict mediation, transfers, and vacation schedules.
• Oversee the development and administration of the departmental course schedule and its corresponding instructional budget.
• Act in the absence of the Department Chair on operational and administrative matters; review, interpret, recommend, and implement department and College policies; identify and resolve issues regarding administrative and fiscal matters.
• Oversee all personnel actions, including appointments of full-time faculty, part-time faculty, and student and non-student employees paid via the department's operational budget and non-operational resources administered by the department.
• Develop systems to monitor academic and administrative deadlines. Regularly evaluate department and College administrative systems and services.
• Coordinate special department events, including but not limited to departmental receptions, seminars, guest lectures, and alumni panels; make travel and honorarium arrangements as needed for guest lecturers
• Oversee student and alumni outreach and communication.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of five to seven years of progressively responsible experience working in higher education administration and/or non-profit management
• Demonstrated track record of administrative successes
• Tech savvy, with experience working with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and with advanced skills using Excel
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced office
• Excellent judgment and communication skills, including verbal, written, and listening, and people-oriented, with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population
• Detail-oriented, with the ability to multitask and prioritize projects
• Flexibility in thinking; ability to come up with ad hoc solutions while following established policies and guidelines

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's in Higher Education Administration or Management
• Demonstrated understanding of diversity, access, and equity within a higher education context
• Knowledge of and/or experience in Teachers College, Columbia University
• Experience working with websites, newsletters, and basic graphic design is considered a plus

Salary Range:

$105,000 - $117,000

Work Modality:

Hybrid