Vice Dean and Chief Administrative Officer

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $275,000-$300,000

Position Summary

Reporting to the Dean of the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), the Vice Dean of Administration and Chief Administrative Officer works closely with the Dean regarding all aspects of SIPA's administration. The Vice Dean represents the Dean on a variety of university-wide initiatives, plans, organizes, and implements special projects, and assumes a major role in the decision-making and policy formulation of the school.

The Vice Dean will join at a pivotal time in our world, as the policy landscape faces ever-changing global challenges and opportunities. SIPA centers these policy challenges as core to its work, with a track record of innovating its curriculum and offerings to meet this demand. At the same time, there are many opportunities for even greater impact - leveraging Columbia's platform, seizing upon opportunities to partner with the private sector, and increasing enrollment. Given the rate of change, and the need for responsive action, the Vice Dean will bring an entrepreneurial mindset, adopting creativity in monetizing SIPA's assets and strengths to support its greatest priorities.

Additionally, and critically important: the Vice Dean will be a strong agent of change and will lead a significant transformational effort as SIPA evolves to meet the changing needs of higher education and policy, in alignment with its commitment to solving global policy goals. The successful candidate must be capable of providing powerful leadership in the development and execution of strategies, approaches, and solutions that address complex, multi-factor financial, and operational issues, both short- and long-term.

The Vice Dean of Administration is a pivotal member of the Dean's executive staff and will collaborate with all members of the Dean's executive team on strategic planning, management of policies and procedures, and financial oversight.

The incumbent oversees the budget of the school of approximately $133 million dollars. The Vice Dean of Administration serves as a key school liaison with central university units such as Office of General Counsel, EOAA, Provost Office, Central Human Resources, Finance, Facilities, Public Safety, and more.

Responsibilities

Dean's Office Initiatives: Strategic Planning: Together with the Dean, the Vice Dean leads strategic planning efforts for SIPA. Responsibilities will include designing a five-year strategic plan and management and oversight of all progress and implementation. As a senior member of the Executive team, they will provide management oversight on behalf of the Dean when needed to direct programs, on matters related to staffing, and on SIPA's budget.

Financial Management: In close partnership with the Senior Associate Dean of Finance and Administration, the Vice Dean establishes financial strategies for the school. Analyzes trends, outcomes, and patterns; provides solution-oriented plans and advises the Dean on the efficacy of the financial planning results.

• The Vice Dean oversees enrollment management for SIPA across programs. They also set admissions targets, manages decisions regarding financial aid dollars, and monitors throughout the admissions cycle. This includes SIPA's two-year programs and all specialized programs.
• In partnership with the Associate Dean for Development and Alumni Relations, the Vice Dean will plan, analyze and provide detailed consultation to the Dean regarding Capital Campaign and fundraising initiatives integrated with the school's overall budget.
• Alongside the Senior Associate Dean of Finance and Administration, the Vice Dean represents SIPA in meetings with the University budget and financial offices.

Strategic Operations: The Vice Dean plans, designs, influences and implements school-wide processes and procedures to contribute to the mission and strategic direction of the school and to ensure compliance with University policies and procedures and effective deployment of resource allocations.

• With direct oversight of the Managing Director of the Picker Center for Executive Education, they will build and grow SIPA's Executive Education programs, build a business plan and strategy for growth in this space and manage all oversight of programs.
• In partnership with the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, support the planning and implementation of the new curriculum.
• As SIPA increases its presence off-campus, outside of New York, and around the world, the Vice Dean will lead all aspects of growth in new markets, including space, budgeting, staffing, and operations for any SIPA-specific spaces; In partnership with the Executive Director of the Institute of Global politics, support IGP partnerships and trainings around the world.
• In consultation with the Senior Associate Dean of Finance and Administration, they work closely with Facilities to oversee facilities operations for the International Affairs Building and all other SIPA work sites, including building issues and renovations, and liaise with all applicable parties.
• The Vice Dean will provide leadership and drive human resources initiatives that align with the school's long-term strategic goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• A graduate degree and 10+ years of directly related professional experience with the following key competencies: senior administrative and financial leadership; strategic development and implementation; stakeholder and external engagement; and team leadership and management is required.
• Demonstrated evidence of the ability to develop and implement a strategic vision for the institution; to establish and pursue clear strategic priorities; and to deploy resources effectively to steadily advance those priorities.
• Experience in leading a strategic vision, with the highest aspirations and ambitions for the quality and reputation of SIPA.
• Ability to serve as an insightful, strategic partner and counsel to senior leaders. Experience serving as a strategic financial partner to senior leadership, improving business practices, streamlining workflow, and providing long-term budget planning analysis.
• Experience or demonstrated ability to manage, lead, and improve the efficiency of finance, operations, IT, HR, and capital planning.
• A self-motivated, inspiring leader with the ability to clearly articulate SIPA's vision and strategy to others, identify and align internal and external resources, and influence outcomes.
• A highly organized and skilled mentor who builds effective cross-functional teams, and coaches and develops direct and indirect reports.
• Proven commitment to championing DEI in an organization and a track record of cultural agility.
• Exceptional judgement and a high degree of diplomacy, collaboration and problem-solving ability.
• Fluency with MS Office, Excel, PowerPoint, and other related systems and web content management platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional years of experience in a senior management role with demonstrated experience driving impact in a large, complex organization, relevant to academia or policy.
• Experience in admissions and strategic enrollment management.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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