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Columbia University

Research Center Program Manager

🇺🇸 New York, NY

🕑 Full-Time

💰 $72K - $80K

💻 Finance

🗓️ July 30th, 2025

Edtech.com's Summary

Columbia University is hiring a Research Center Program Manager to oversee daily operations and coordinate programs for emerging research centers within the School of Engineering and Applied Science. The role involves collaborating with Center Directors and advisory groups to manage events, financial operations, communications, and external partnerships to support scientific advancement and innovation.

Highlights
  • Oversee day-to-day operational needs and act as main contact for one or more research centers.
  • Manage logistics and delivery of programs such as internal awards, seminars, workshops, and hackathons.
  • Coordinate meetings, visitor travel, venues, and event planning to ensure seamless execution.
  • Initiate and monitor expenditures, process reimbursements, and assist in budget preparation and grant documentation.
  • Develop marketing materials, maintain Center websites, and publish updates and newsletters.
  • Build and maintain relationships with internal academic units and external partners, supporting industry engagement.
  • Required qualifications include a bachelor's degree, 2-4 years' experience coordinating complex projects, and working knowledge of Google Suite and Microsoft Excel.
  • Preferred qualifications include 3-5 years' experience and interest or experience in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or related areas.
  • Salary range is $72,000 to $80,000 annually.
  • Position requires strong communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a university setting.

Research Center Program Manager Full Description

  • Job Type: Officer of Administration
  • Bargaining Unit:
  • Regular/Temporary: Regular
  • End Date if Temporary:
  • Hours Per Week: 35
  • Standard Work Schedule:
  • Building:
  • Salary Range: $72,000 to $80,000
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
Reporting to the Assistant Director for Strategic Partnerships, the  Grant funded  Research Center Program Manager will play a key role in overseeing daily operations for one or more emerging research centers. This position will collaborate with Center Directors, Managing Directors, and Advisory Groups to ensure the effective delivery of programs and activities. Collaboration both within and beyond institutional boundaries is critical to driving scientific advancement and innovation. Team-based research efforts demand strong coordination, clear communication, and the ability to manage diverse priorities.

At Columbia University's School of Engineering and Applied Science, several new research centers and initiatives have been launched with a focus on Artificial Intelligence. These efforts thrive on both internal partnerships across the university and external collaborations with industry and other key stakeholders. To support these growing initiatives, Columbia Engineering is building a dedicated team of administrators who will work closely with faculty directors and center staff to manage the operations of these multifaceted programs.

Responsibilities
  • Program Operations and Administration (50%):
  • Oversees day-to-day operational needs for the Center(s); acts as a main point of contact for operations topics. Resolves moderately complex concerns and problems.
  • Develops, initiates, and oversees Center programs and initiatives, including defining Center needs, managing logistics, and reviewing and evaluating program outcomes. Programs include internal Research Award and Fellowship programs, Seminars, Workshops, Hackathons, and more.
  • Provides operational management for the Center(s), including planning and coordinating meetings and events, arranging visitor travel, securing venues and catering services, and preparing comprehensive meeting materials to ensure seamless execution
  • In collaboration with the SEAS Assistant Director of Event Logistics and Director of Events and Strategic Programming, coordinates large-scale events in support of Center's goals
  • Provides critical support to the Center Director and staff in advancing the Center’s priorities, contributing to strategic planning efforts and the development of its research and educational agenda
  • Financial Transaction Operations (15%):
  • Initiates and monitors expenditures and reimbursement processes in compliance with university policies.
  • Reviews, analyzes, and processes travel and business-related reimbursements and expenditures; provides assistance with purchase order submissions
  • Contributes to the preparation of budgets and supporting documentation for grant proposals and funding applications.
  • Communications and Web Management (15%)
  • With support from SEAS Communications, develops marketing materials for the Center(s)
  • Maintains the Center(s) websites; develops and publishes regular web news updates and newsletters to highlight key activities, achievements, and announcements
  • Relationship Management (15%):
  • Builds and maintains productive relationships with collaborating academic units within Columbia, and with external collaborating partners
  • With the Center Director and the Strategic Collaborations team in the Office for Research, support engagements with industry partners and sponsors
  • (5%) Performs related duties & responsibilities as assigned/requested

Minimum Qualifications
  • A bachelor’s degree.
  • 2-4 years’ experience coordinating complex projects or programs.
  • Experience working in a university setting.
  • Attention to detail, ability to work independently and under pressure, and ability to 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.
  • Demonstrated 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.
  • Technical skills, including proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Excel; ability to quickly learn new technologies.

Preferred Qualifications
  • 3-5 year’s experience coordinating complex projects or programs.
  • Interest in or experience with Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Computer Science, or related topics.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.