Research Center Program Manager

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building: Morningside
• Salary Range: $72,000 - $80,000

Position Summary

Collaboration across disciplines, institutions, and external partners is essential to advancing research, innovation, and scientific discovery. As Columbia Engineering continues to launch new research centers and strategic initiatives, strong administrative and operational support is critical to ensuring their success. These programs often involve complex partnerships with faculty, industry, government agencies, philanthropic organizations, and other University stakeholders, requiring effective coordination and execution.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Research Center Operations, the Research Center Program Manager will provide comprehensive administrative and operational support for a portfolio of research centers and related initiatives. The portfolio may include both newly established centers and mature programs with ongoing operational needs. Working closely with faculty Principal Investigators, Managing Directors, Center staff, and Columbia Engineering administrative units, the Program Manager will help coordinate day-to-day operations, communications, events, financial transactions, and program activities. Center assignments will be determined based on program complexity, operational requirements, and available resources, with priorities established in partnership with the Associate Director of Research Center Operations.

Responsibilities

Program Operations and Administration (45%):

• Serves as a primary operational resource for assigned research Centers, providing day-to-day coordination, troubleshooting issues, responding to inquiries, and facilitating the successful execution of Center activities and priorities

• Coordinates support for assigned Center programs and initiatives, including program planning, managing logistics, tracking timelines and deliverables, and helping collect information to assess program outcomes. Programs include internal Research Award and Fellowship programs, events and seminar series, fundraising initiatives, and other Center initiatives. 

• Develops, implements, and maintains project and program management tools and processes to support efficient Center operations and effective coordination among faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.

• Manages assigned Center events and meetings, including coordinating speakers and attendees, arranging visitor travel and campus access, securing venues and catering services, communications coordination, and preparing promotional or briefing materials, and supporting in-person logistics (in collaboration with the SEAS Assistant Director of Event Logistics and Director of Events and Strategic Programming).

• Provides operational support to assigned Center leadership and staff in advancing the Center’s priorities, including coordinating planning activities, preparing materials, tracking action items, and supporting implementation of the Center’s research and educational agenda.

• Manages the recruitment and hiring process for assigned Center students, researchers, and staff, including coordinating postings, interview logistics, onboarding materials, and related administrative functions.

Relationship and Partnership Coordination (20%):

• Builds and maintains productive relationships with collaborating academic units within Columbia and with partner Universities.

• Serves as an administrative liaison for assigned Center sponsors and other collaborating entities, helping coordinate information, meetings, deliverables, and follow-up in accordance with University and Center policies.

• Represents assigned Centers at meetings relating to University-wide initiatives and programs, fostering collaboration and information sharing across stakeholders.

Financial Transaction Operations (15%):

• Manages the day-to-day financial transactions for assigned Center(s), including managing purchasing requests and requisitions, coordinating travel arrangements for Center staff and visitors, processing journal entries and other transactions, and performing regular reconciliations  in accordance with Columbia and sponsor policies.

• Monitors expenditures against approved budgets, assists with financial tracking and reporting, and works with Center leadership to support sound fiscal management.

• Assists in the preparation of budgets, budget justifications, and supporting documentation for grant proposals, funding applications, and sponsor reporting requirements.

Communications and Web Management (15%):

• Manages internal and external communications for assigned Centers, including developing marketing and promotional materials and newsletters, responding to student requests and research inquiries, managing press inquiries, facilitating film and print logistics, and maintaining published articles (With support from SEAS Communications).

• Manages and Maintains Center websites and digital communication platforms; develops and publishes content, news updates, and announcements that highlight research achievements, events, funding opportunities, and community engagement activities.

• Drafts, edits, and manages correspondence and communications on behalf of Center leadership and affiliated faculty.

(5%): Perform related duties & responsibilities as assigned/requested by the Office for Research

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree 

• A minimum of 2 years of related work experience.

• Operational skills, including attention to detail, ability to work independently and under pressure, exercise independent judgment, and effectively prioritize multiple tasks with minimal supervision.

• Interpersonal skills, including the ability to handle confidential information with discretion, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, with a proactive approach to anticipating team needs.

• Written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate tactfully in small and large group settings with staff, faculty, students, alumni, and other key stakeholders.

• Experience with financial administration, including tracking expenses, processing transactions, reconciling accounts, or assisting with project budgets.

• Exceptional problem-solving, interpersonal, organizational, and written- and verbal-communication and computer skills required.

• Technical and Office skills. Must have strong proficiency with MS Office, including Word and Excel. As part of the applicant process, finalists will be required to complete an Excel skills assessment.

• Positive, forward-thinking, mission-oriented attitude and sense of humor is a must.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3-5 year’s experience coordinating complex projects or programs in a university or research nonprofit setting.

• Background or experience in engineering, science, or technology is a plus.

• 1-3 years’ experience coordinating complex projects or programs preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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