Director of Education and Training

Position Summary

University Life was created to develop and enhance the student experience at Columbia. Working in collaboration with students, faculty, and staff, University Life strengthens resources, policies, and conversations, and builds community outside of the classroom.

Our efforts all connect to core values for the Columbia community :

Inclusion and belonging

Health and well-being

Sexual Respect

Community Citizenship

University Life is a central division focused on enhancing the student experience across Columbia’s 17 schools and colleges.

We serve as a student life hub for the University and are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive campus culture where students can thrive in all dimensions of their lives.

In University Life, we focus on connecting students to each other, to the broader University and surrounding community, and to opportunities beyond their schools.

We work to educate students about Columbia’s values and policies and share essential and timely information with students from the University.

Through our programs, services, and partnerships, we support students’ educational enrichment during their time at Columbia.

The Director of Education and Training is a student-facing position that reports to the Executive Director for Student Affairs, with a dotted report line to the Senior Associate Vice President for Student Life, and supports critical work related to freedom of expression, student activism, the Rules of University conduct and most especially Title VI.

This role provides robust educational opportunities in a variety of modalities on Title VI to the University community. When necessary the Director will also provide educational resources related to the Rules of University Conduct and unconscious bias.

This work includes assessment and evaluation of educational programs.

The Director of Education and Training also advises student organizations as a member of the University Life team.

Collaboration with many colleagues and offices on campus is essential, including the University Senate, Deans of Students, the University Title IX Coordinator, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, Residential Life, Academic Affairs, Counseling and Psychological Services, Columbia Health, Ombuds Office, Parent and Family Programs, faculty, staff, and students.

The successful candidate will be working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and must be adaptable, able to work under pressure to meet deadlines, and able to develop relationships across the campus as needed to support a collaborative environment.

The successful candidate will join a strong community that values and supports this work as we look to expand and evolve in critical ways.

Due to the nature of the role, work may be outside of regular business hours (weekends, evenings, or holidays).

Responsibilities

Training and Education :

• Identify and develop effective education, training, technical assistance, and outreach strategies to raise awareness about Title VI among students.
• Create both in-person and online training and awareness campaigns both independently and in collaboration with campus partners on Title VI issues.
• Lead design, presentation, curriculum development, and coordination of training on Title VI, unconscious bias, and other timely topics.
• Develop and deliver programs and events targeting diverse audiences to enhance understanding of Title VI and unconscious bias.
• Work in partnership with campus stakeholders on effective awareness campaigns and the development and implementation of outreach efforts to offer education and training.
• Develop and update participant evaluation tools to determine the quality of Education & Training programming and regularly evaluate feedback from audience participants.
• Supports efforts to educate the University community about the Rules process to create transparency and share resources available.
• Provide information, training, and coaching to administrators, student groups, and student leaders.
• Through professional organization involvement and independent research, the Director is responsible for staying current on trends and issues related to the field of student activism, investigation strategies, and informal resolutions.

Committee Work :

Participate in committees and working groups across campus to provide insight on issues involving discrimination / harassment and provide recommendations and guidance on best practices to address issues.

Student Organization Advising :

• Work with the University Senate to support the Interschool Governing Board (IGB), including advising on programs and plans, financial management, and organizational development.
• Advise student organizations recognized by IGB, including education on policy, event planning, and financial management.

Collaboration and critical communications :

• Collaborate with departments throughout the University to coordinate delivery of services and ensure student needs are met.
• Refer students to campus resources.
• Draft communications and report to students and campus stakeholders.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree is required and a minimum of 5-7 years of related experience.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to exercise superior judgment and discretion.
• Accuracy and attention to detail, the ability to problem-solve, consistent and effective follow-through on all matters, excellent customer service, and diplomacy.
• Excellent presentation skills and strong public speaking skills with a variety of audiences
• Experience developing, implementing, and evaluating training programs related to Title VI, unconscious bias, social justice, or related topics.
• Experience with a proven ability to manage highly sensitive information with professionalism, sensitivity, and privacy.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with staff, faculty, students, and external parties from diverse backgrounds.
• Must be able to take direction from several different people and have proven ability to prioritize tasks with conflicting deadlines, be flexible, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written communication skills and demonstrated editing, proofing, and writing experience. Ability to write clear and concise correspondence.
• Ability to listen and curiosity to learn.
• Ability to function well within a team environment, which includes cross-department collaboration.
• Independent, results-focused, highly organized self-starter.
• Positive attitude and proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to give and receive honest, constructive feedback.
• Flexibility to work occasional evening and weekend hours required.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion principles and the ability to promote a culture of respect, belonging, and accessibility.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred in higher education, student personnel administration, counseling, law, social work, psychology, or related field.
• Supervisory and staff supervision experience strong interpersonal skills.
• A working knowledge of federal civil rights statutes and program requirements, specifically Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and related state public accommodation law.
1 day ago