Assistant Director of Student Engagement

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $67,300 - $69,000 Annually

Position Summary

Undergraduate Student Life (USL) fosters student growth, belonging, leadership, and community beyond the classroom for students across Columbia College and the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. Through advising, mentorship, co-curricular engagement, leadership development, traditions, and community-based experiences, USL supports students in navigating their academic journey while building the skills, relationships, and sense of purpose that shape their lives during and beyond Columbia.

The Assistant Director (AD) reports to a Director in Student Engagement (SE) and serves as a key leader within Undergraduate Student Life. Working closely with SE and campus partners, the AD provides leadership for the development, support, and advising of undergraduate student clubs and organizations across Columbia College and SEAS, including organizations focused on advocacy and activism, engineering, performing arts, publications, cultural identity, community service, and special interests, among others.

The incumbent will play a central role in strengthening the student organization ecosystem through leadership development, organizational advising, training, risk management education, conflict navigation, student leader coaching, and the creation of developmental learning experiences that support student growth, community engagement, and belonging. The AD will design and facilitate workshops, conferences, retreats, trainings, and leadership initiatives that help students develop skills in collaboration, communication, ethical leadership, organizational management, and navigating difference across a diverse campus community.

Responsibilities

• Student Leadership Training, Development, and Assessment
  • Design, implement, and facilitate leadership development initiatives, workshops, retreats, trainings, and programs that support student involvement, learning, leadership, and community engagement.
  • Develop and facilitate trainings for student leaders, governing boards, councils, and organizations focused on leadership development, communication, collaboration, organizational management, inclusive community-building, and navigating difference.
  • Support onboarding, training, and continuing development opportunities for student leaders across Student Engagement and Undergraduate Student Life.
  • Organize and facilitate retreats, leadership experiences, and workshops for student councils, governing boards, and student organizations.
  • Support the training and development of Graduate Assistants and student staff within Student Engagement.
  • Assess and evaluate student leadership programs, trainings, onboarding experiences, and developmental initiatives across Student Engagement and Undergraduate Student Life.
  • Participate in professional development opportunities and facilitation trainings connected to leadership development frameworks and student engagement practices.
  • Support elements of the New Student Orientation Program (NSOP) and other divisional initiatives as assigned.
• Clubs and Organizations Advising and Development
  • Develop strong advising relationships with undergraduate student leaders and organizations across Columbia College and SEAS, supporting a broad portfolio of clubs and organizations including advocacy and activist groups, engineering organizations, performing arts groups, publications, cultural organizations, and other student communities.
  • Provide developmental advising grounded in student development and leadership theory, supporting students in areas such as organizational leadership, group dynamics, event planning, conflict navigation, decision-making, community-building, and ethical leadership.
  • Guide student organizations in understanding and navigating University and Undergraduate Student Life policies, procedures, and practices while helping students think critically through options, responsibilities, and the impact of organizational decisions.
  • Support the growth and sustainability of student organizations through leadership coaching, organizational development, officer transitions, strategic planning, and student leader mentorship.
  • Monitor student organization budgets and support students in navigating contracts, vendors, performers, speakers, and service providers in alignment with University policies and procedures.
  • Build collaborative relationships with campus partners to support student organization activities and events, including Facilities, Public Safety, University Event Management, University Life, and other University offices.
  • Foster inter-organizational collaboration, communication, and community among student organizations and student leaders across Columbia College and SEAS.
• Student Organization Operations and Systems Support
  • Support the management and ongoing development of Campus Groups and related systems used to support student organizations, leadership engagement, communication, recognition processes, and organizational operations.
  • Create training materials, guides, tutorials, videos, and other resources to support student leaders in navigating organizational management, event planning, budgeting, and operational processes.
  • Support organizational recognition, elections, compliance processes, advising resources, leadership transitions, and student organization data management within Campus Groups and related advising systems.
  • Assist in developing processes, tools, and operational practices that strengthen the student organization experience and support effective organizational management across Undergraduate Student Life.
• Participate in the growth and development of USL, Columbia College, Columbia Engineering, and Columbia University
  • Support the on-boarding and off-boarding process for students
  • Support key student life initiatives
  • Support key initiatives and experiences within USL, Columbia College & Columbia Engineering, such as NSOP, opening weekend, orientation, homecoming, commencement, traditional events, etc.
  • Serve as a responsible committee representative as requested
  • Attend necessary meetings and inform staff regarding relevant information
  • Promote efficiency and courtesy throughout the University community and ensure that it is consistent with USL’s mission and values
  • Remain cognizant of the University, College, Engineering, and USL’s mission and identity, the constant promotion of inclusion, and the importance of student voices
  • Communicate effectively with supervisor concerning pertinent departmental and/or University matters
  • Night and weekend work is frequent and required
• Other duties as assigned

As a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Council of Ivy Group Presidents (Ivy League), it is imperative that members of the Columbia University community, in all matters related to the intercollegiate athletics program, exhibit the highest professional standards and ethical behavior with regard to adherence to NCAA, Conference, University, and Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education rules and regulations. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent related experience
• 2 - 4 years related professional experience
• Strong facilitation, organizational and project management skills
• Evening and weekend hours are necessary, as is overnight travel for off campus retreats if assigned
• Strong knowledge of student development theory, leadership development theory, multiculturalism, and community building

*Applications submitted without a resume and cover letter will not be reviewed*

Preferred Qualifications

• 4 or more years related experience developing and facilitating training and workshops preferred
• Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Personnel Administration or related field
• Experience working with high touch student organizations
• Knowledge and experience with theoretical and practical applications of experiential learning related to leadership in higher education or transferable settings
• Demonstrated ability working in an urban setting, excellent communication skills and experience working with a diverse student population

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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