Assistant Director, Research & Technology

The Center for Career Education (CCE) helps undergraduate, graduate students and alumni develop the key competencies necessary to make informed decisions and take the necessary steps to achieve their career goals. The Center establishes connections and facilitates interaction among students, alumni, employers and organizations to generate opportunities that help students pursue their personal and professional objectives. CCE serves students in Columbia College, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of General Studies, the School of the Arts, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and collaborates with the Career Centers in the other schools at Columbia University and its affiliated institutions.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to providing technical support to professional staff and, assisting with Center-wide technology initiatives such as the implementation and ongoing staff training in the use of a client relationship management (CRM) system, coordinating web content management, multimedia development, development of instructional design tools and resources and electronic communications strategy, providing research, data analysis and statistical reports on Center activity and contributing to specialized projects with the Senior Associate Director and other senior staff. This position will work closely with multiple key stakeholders, CCE professional and student staff, as well as peer technical groups. 

Responsibilities

• Along with the Senior Associate Director for Research and Technology, liaise with Columbia College Information Technology in troubleshooting and supporting the technological needs of CCE. Submit service requests on behalf of users and communicate progress until resolved. Maintain printers, copiers and AV equipment. Assist professional and student staff with hardware and software issues. Implement online surveys, facilitate data collection, analysis and reporting on CCE activity. Analyze, research and make recommendations for improving CCE's technical infrastructure. For additional enhancements and new projects involving technology, represent the operational needs of the Center and work with CCIT and external vendors to define technological solutions when appropriate.

• Assist with the implementation, development of and enhancements to CCE's client relationship management (CRM) system. Participate in the maintenance and documentation of best practices, knowledge base of problems, solutions and FAQs, and support staff training for Microsoft CRM.

• Develop, edit and implement web content, multimedia and electronic communications. With the Senior Associate Director, coordinate the creation of new content, sections and features on the CCE website to support organizational goals. Lead staff training for departmental web editors in use of Drupal and l Bedework and advise them in the development of their web communications strategies. Contribute to a shared repository of policies and procedures for Website use and web standards. Stay abreast of innovations in multimedia, online social networking, websites and specific devices and technologies.

• Assist with graduating student statistics on an annual basis. Analyze online data forms and report survey results. Compile reports for internal and external publication on employment statistics of Columbia graduates' post-graduation plans as well as numerous program surveys for students, alumni and employers throughout the year.

• Assist with statistical analysis of Center usage by students, alumni, and other key stakeholders for use in annual reports and other publications. Contribute to the evaluation of Center programs and conduct quantitative and qualitative research about career education for the Center.

• Attend weekly Administration & Planning meetings, bi-weekly CCE meetings and bi-weekly Counseling team meetings. Collaborate with all departments on large scale programming.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and/or its equivalent required.

• A minimum of two years' related experience required (or equivalent combination of education and experience). 

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment with diverse populations.

• Keen understanding of web standards, usability and accessibility.

• Must have data analysis skills and ability to learn new applications quickly, as well as the ability to articulate technical concepts to a non-technical audience.

• Flexibility in shifting priorities in a dynamic environment.

• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills necessary.  

*A cover letter and resume must be submitted with the application.*

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in research, higher education, career services, or data analysis preferred.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, HTML, Drupal content management, and webpage design strongly desired.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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