Assistant Director, Finance and Administration

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.

A strong internal candidate has been identified for this position; however, we are still accepting applications from other qualified candidates.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of the Center for the Study of Ethnicity and Race (CSER), the Assistant Director of Finance and Administration is responsible for the organization, management, and planning of the day-to-day administrative activities of the department, including financial management, personnel management, and space management.

The Center for the Study of Ethnicity and Race at Columbia University is a vibrant teaching, research, and public engagement space. CSER's mission is to support and promote the most innovative thinking about race, ethnicity, indigeneity, and other categories of difference to better understand their role and impact in modern societies.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for all matters related to the day-to-day financial operations, including FAS reconciliation, grants management, budget, and reporting.
• Supervise the flow of appropriate paperwork to the Office of the Controller, payroll, and purchasing.
• Assist in developing proposals for grants, fundraising initiatives, and events.
• Analyze, interpret, and implement university and department-wide financial policies and procedures and share responsibility for the accuracy and expedient processing of all departmental financial transactions.
• Collaborate with faculty and research scholars to organize and plan seminars and conferences, handling tasks such as scheduling, publicity, and coordinating travel and lodging arrangements for speakers.
• Plan, design, and coordinate program advertising and the center's website. Implement the Program's educational and media outreach.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation for the undergraduate program.
• Edit and update the department's listings in bulletins. Coordinate teaching schedules, class times, and room assignments with faculty members and oversee departmental facilities and space utilization.
• Assist with hiring, training, and supervising support staff and work-study staff.
• Responsible for coordinating the accessibility, use, and maintenance of the Center's office suite and seminar room.
• Perform other duties as requested or as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of 2 years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background or interest in Ethnic Studies, Latinx studies, Asian American studies, Native American and Indigenous studies, and / or African American studies.

Other Requirements

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain high confidentiality and professionalism in working with a diverse array of faculty, staff, students, and vendors.
• Strong multi-tasking, prioritization, and organization skills.
• Attention to detail, research, critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Self-starter, a fast learner who can work independently under limited supervision.
• Work well in an interactive team environment.
• Able to acquire quickly a detailed knowledge of university policies, procedures, and systems.
• Experience with electronic funds management.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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