Executive Director

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 directly to the Chief of Staff, the Executive Director will play a critical role in leading complex projects, advancing strategic initiatives, and strengthening operations on behalf of the Dean in support of the School's mission. This position requires exceptional project management skills, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate a dynamic, fast-paced environment with multiple stakeholders. The role is both strategic and hands-on, ensuring executional excellence while supporting Columbia Business School's mission.

Columbia Business School (CBS) is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Executive Director to join the Office of the Dean.

About Columbia Business School

For over a century, Columbia Business School has developed leaders and builders of enterprises who create value for their organizations and society. Through our MBA, MS, PhD, and Executive Education programs, CBS prepares students to lead in a rapidly changing world.

Our cutting-edge curriculum, STEM-certified programs, and immersive experiential learning opportunities equip students to thrive in areas such as digital transformation, entrepreneurship, twenty-first-century finance, the intersection of business and society, and climate and sustainability.

CBS administration enables the School's educational and scholarly mission through strategic and operational excellence. We are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and high-performing community that drives innovation and impact from the very center of business.

Responsibilities

Strategic Project Management

Leads and manages high-priority, cross-functional projects aligned with the Dean's strategic agenda.

Develops comprehensive project plans and implementation strategies, incorporating stakeholder feedback and tracking progress against milestones.

Apply expertise in transformation and change management to ensure initiatives are executed smoothly and sustainably.

Anticipates and mitigates risk, resolves roadblocks, and ensures projects remain on schedule and within scope.

Provides regular status updates and recommendations to the Chief of Staff, Dean, and senior leadership.

Office of the Dean Operations & Special Initiatives

Reports to the Chief of Staff and works closely to the Dean in operational oversight, decision-making, and execution of strategic priorities.

Prepares high-level briefing materials, reports, presentations, and talking points for the Dean and Chief of Staff.

Creates and maintains documentation of best practices, protocols, and procedures to drive operational excellence and consistency.

Conducts research and analysis to inform executive-level decision-making.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communications

Leads cross-functional teams, serving as a strategic liaison for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment and clarity across all project-related communications.

Represents the Chief of Staff in meetings and working sessions, ensuring clarity, alignment and effective communication across projects.

Prioritizes information flow and requests, enabling the Chief of Staff to focus on key initiatives.

Builds strong relationships across CBS and with University partners to foster collaboration and trust to enable seamless project execution.

Operational Leadership & Anticipatory Problem Solving

Anticipates emerging challenges and develops innovative solutions to advance CBS initiatives.

Uses discretion and strategic insight to manage competing priorities and complex organizational dynamics.

Ensures projects and operations are executed with performance excellence and align with CBS's long-term goals.

Other Duties as Assigned

Provides additional support to the Chief of Staff and Office of the Dean in response to evolving needs and priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Minimum of 7-9 years of experience in project management, consulting, or a related field.

Proven ability in managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives from inception to completion.

Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

Strong organizational and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize information and act with sound judgment under pressure.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools such as Hive

Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Consulting background or experience in strategic advisory roles.

Demonstrated ability to deliver performance excellence through operational improvements and executional discipline.

Expertise in transformation, change management, and organizational effectiveness.

Strong presentation skills with the ability to distill complex information for senior audiences.

Experience in higher education or similarly complex, mission-driven organizations.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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