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 Executive Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), the Senior Director plays a key role in managing all aspects of the admissions and enrollment process, focusing on process efficiency and data management. The incumbent develops and applies policies and procedures for the admissions process to ensure that all policies support institutional goals and align with institutional and Federal guidance. They also work to uphold and strengthen the integrity of the admissions process flow from application through enrollment for SIPA???s programs. The incumbent will implement and maintain the processes and systems needed to support the applicant experience and data integrity with a focus on quality assurance. The Senior Director will gather and analyze data and research. They will provide robust reports and dashboards with summaries of application data and operational productivity. Along with the Assistant Director, Admissions Operations, the incumbent serves as an administrator for various Admissions Office systems. This position is a key decision-maker for the Office of Admissions and will involve long-term strategic thinking and planning as well as key oversight of the Technolutions Slate CRM system. The Senior Director also assists with application reading and recruitment.
At SIPA???the world???s leading school of global policy???we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We work to cultivate these values in our practices, programs, and policies. We aim to create a workplace that is welcoming and celebrates the unique lived experiences of all our staff, students, and faculty. We are particularly interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the School.
N.B. Subject to business needs, we may support flexible and hybrid work arrangements. Options will be discussed during the interview process.
Responsibilities
The Senior Director of Admissions Operations assists in the management of the administrative and technical functions of the office. Key responsibilities include the following:
Execute everyday tasks associated with the routine upkeep and management of the Slate instance utilized by SIPA Admissions. These tasks encompass but are not restricted to, aiding in the establishment of data import and export procedures, overseeing Slate-hosted applications, upkeep and enhancing workflows, queries, and rules, resolving system-wide problems, and formulating effective customer relationship management (CRM) methods.
Work with the Assistant Director, Admissions Operations to ensure the accuracy and consistency of data across various systems. Maintain a thorough working knowledge of all aspects of the online application system.
Assist in the facilitation of all admissions decisions publication, with a specific focus on online decision releases. This entails generating and updating decision letters and response forms, as well as aiding the decision release process.
Proactively create tracking tools and processes to audit data and ensure data integrity across all systems.
Conduct data analysis related to enrollment management. This entails assuming primary responsibility for tasks such as data maintenance, statistical analysis, addressing data-related challenges, and tracking, organizing, and managing data and metrics.
Build and maintain custom online portals for use by admissions staff, prospective students, and applicants.
Work with the Assistant Director, Admissions Operations, in monitoring over 3,000 applications annually. They will manage Slate-related reporting and data requests, providing statistical analysis and summaries of enrollment data.
Direct the use of Slate CRM and other tools to ensure an applicant-friendly experience that also meets data needs of the school and supports the marketing and recruitment efforts of the office.
Direct and supervise application processing including verification of credentials of admitted candidates.
Research and learn new technologies and techniques that may assist in either enhancing a system???s capabilities or improving office workflow efficiency. Attend conferences, classes, and other appropriate professional development opportunities to aid in performing required position responsibilities.
Provides an ongoing analysis of processes and workflows including suggestions for improvement.
Work collaboratively with the Executive Director to oversee processing and evaluating of applications for admissions, which includes the reader training, administration, and process monitoring.
Coordinate efforts and resources related to enrollment systems, processes, data reporting, and research.
The Senior Director of Admissions Operations will promote and facilitate staff development and training in areas related to office operations such as new technology and software, innovative process redesign, etc. They will manage the Slate onboarding process for new employees.
The incumbent will engage with and collaborate with other departments as necessary to meet the goals of the office.
The Senior Director of Admissions Operations will assist with fraud and compliance reviews during peak admission cycle, identify the completeness of applications, oversee application file review process, and read applications during the peak admissions cycle. They will represent SIPA at various recruitment events as needed.
The position supervises two unionized support team members. Duties include maintaining support team daily and weekly schedules, approving timesheets and sick time and vacation requests, and ensuring the office is properly staffed and supported throughout the various admissions cycles.
Performs related duties as assigned or requested.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent required.
Must have a minimum of five years of related professional experience such as in CRM configuration, implementation, and administration, or as a senior business or marketing analyst in an IT environment with experience in the administration of customer relations applications.
Experience working with Technolutions SLATE
Demonstrated experience in systems analysis, designing specifications, data segmentations, workflow tools, relational database management systems, word processing, and statistical databases, debugging, data extraction, and an ability to work productively in highly collaborative environments that maximize autonomy and decision-making.
Ability to interact effectively with a culturally and ethnically diverse population of students, faculty, and staff.
Ability to be flexible and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.
Experience working in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to handle confidential information in a mature, professional manner.
Sound problem-solving and decision-making abilities, both as an independent entity and as part of a team.
Experience in data collection and analysis, utilization of query management tools and application software, and project management is required.
Experience supervising a team is required.
Proven record of successfully managing projects, working independently, analyzing data, and meeting deadlines.
Preferred Qualifications
Master???s degree preferred.
Programming knowledge is helpful (SQL, HTML, CSS).
Ability to diagram business processes and clearly articulate strategic alternatives.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.
Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.