Assoc Dean-Student Affairs

Position Summary

Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs ("SIPA") seeks a creative and energetic Associate Dean for Student Affairs with the experience necessary to direct and provide innovative academic and extracurricular student services to over 1,300  graduate professional students from over 150 countries. As a key member of SIPA's leadership team working directly with the Dean and reporting to SIPA's Senior Associate Dean, the Associate Dean for Student Affairs has principal responsibility for providing strategic leadership, vision, oversight and coordination for all dimensions of student services.  The Associate Dean for Student Affairs leads an Office of Student Affairs ("OSA") that includes seven highly experienced assistant deans and three administrative support staff.  

The responsibilities of OSA include advising, registration, student life, co-curricular programming, orientation, graduation, academic progress, assistantships, student records, graduate housing, disability accommodations, wellness, and academic integrity and community standards. 

Key Responsibilities

Serves on SIPA's Executive Staff and Senior Staff, and advises the Dean, Senior Associate Dean and Vice Dean on all aspects of its student affairs operation.  Works closely with the Associate Deans for Academic Affairs, Communications and External Relations, Administration and Finance, and Development on a wide range of policies and matters impacting SIPA students.

Sets strategic goals for the OSA. Engages student affairs personnel from SIPA's non-two year degree programs-- PEPM, EMPA, PESP, SDEV and MPADP-to realize a SIPA-wide approach to the delivery of student services. Oversees customized student services for students in the SIPA's dual-degree and exchange programs.  Chairs SIPA's Student Services Committee, comprised of nearly 50 SIPA student-facing staff, to coordinate SIPA's student policies and initiatives across degree programs, concentrations, and specializations.

As a member of the SIPA's Admissions Committee, manages OSA's participation in the admissions process, including reviewing and ranking applications. Oversees advanced standing process.

Working closely with the Office of the University Registrar, peer schools on campus and other stakeholders internal to and outside SIPA, exercises oversight of the SIPA's registration and cross-registration operations. Directs OSA professional staff in developing policies and procedures designed to deliver effective registration-related services.

Coordinates OSA's support of SIPA's Fellowship Committee, which evaluates over 900 current and incoming student fellowship applications annually. Chairs the Fellowships Task Force, which reviews and updates school-wide scholarship, fellowship and assistantship strategies and policies. Liaises with the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, the Office of General and Financial Administration, the Office of Academic Affairs regarding enrollment and yield management.  Serves on SIPA's Emergency Fund Committee, reviewing applications from students for emergency financial aid.

Oversees the application and selection process for over 400 paid student assistant positions annually.

Serves on SIPA's Diversity Committee, and oversees OSA's support to the Diversity Committee and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training and programming for students.

Meets regularly with the Executive Board of SIPA's student government ("SIPASA"), responding to issues raised by student leaders and apprising the Dean's Office of the same.  Coordinates meetings between SIPASA's Executive Board and the Dean, as well as "Fireside Chats" between the Dean and all SIPA students.

Coordinates and oversees all OSA communications with the student body, including regular newsletters and other important messaging as circumstances require.

Oversees quality of life and academic advising for a student population of approximately 1,300 on course and program requirements, and co-curricular and student life issues, including housing options, graduation requirements, career choices, etc.  Assesses the effectiveness of the same via surveys and other mechanisms and works with senior leadership to develop enhanced policies and practices.

Manages the Dean's Disciplinary policies and processes, as well as the School's Academic Progress policies and their implementation; exercises decision-making authority with regard to both.  Reviews and approves extension and leave requests.  Manages SIPA's relationship with Columbia University's Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards ("SCCS"), and makes referrals to SCCS and serves on SCCS disciplinary panels as appropriate.  Briefs the Dean on student appeals.

Serves as the SIPA's principal liaison with the University's student services divisions, including the Office of University Life ("OUL"), Registrar's Office, Student Financial Services, Health Services, the International Students and Scholars Office, Housing, Disabled Student Services, etc.  Represents the School at meetings and on committees sponsored by these offices, resolving problems and staying current on changes in policies and practices.  Serves on University-wide committees and task forces for deans of students convened by OUL and other central university offices.

Manages OSA's engagement with the Global Public Policy Network ("GPPN"), including admissions and advising for international dual-degree students from global partner schools.  Also works with the Dean to manage GPPN programming and overall strategic direction.  Serves as a liaison to officers at these participating schools and manages agreements and revises/enforces program requirements.

Manages SIPA's Five-Year dual degree program with Columbia College, Barnard College, and the School of General Studies, including admissions and advising for participating undergraduates. Serves as a liaison to officers at these participating schools and manages agreements and revises/enforces program requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

SIPA seeks a well-rounded, creative, and energetic professional who will bring to this position broad experience and proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively in support of SIPA students.  The Associate Dean will possess an affinity for the mission of the School and its future that builds upon a 73-year history as a leading academic voice in international affairs and public policy.  Specific qualifications include:

• Advanced degree and a minimum of eight years of related experience in student affairs in a higher education setting. 

• Demonstrated leadership experience and knowledge of student affairs administration, particularly in a high-volume, service driven environment. 

• A keen intellect, with the ability to conceptualize, anticipate and act on events that may create opportunities or pose challenges; the ability to be an independent thinker and creative problem solver. 

• Readiness to lead and/or to collaborate on new initiatives, improving quality outcomes, fostering collaboration across organizational lines, and sustaining a positive work environment. 

• Superior communication skills:  the ability to persuade and inspire others through verbal and written communications; the ability to be a listener and evaluator with the good judgment to make realistic and clear-cut decisions. 

• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, coordinate and direct multiple projects and activities with varied deadlines, be a strategic thinker, be effective in moving strategic agendas, and be both savvy and discreet in all matters. 

• Exceptional interpersonal and team-building skills, the ability to develop and supervise staff and to model for them a balance of commitment to mission, commitment to excellence, integrity, and discretion. 

• Experience working in a diverse higher education environment and a commitment to a culture of inclusion and diversity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in student affairs or related field highly desirable.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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