Associate Director, Professional Development and Industry Relations

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $100,000 - $105,000

Position Summary

The Department of Statistics at Columbia University is one of the oldest statistics departments in the US. The Department consists of 40 faculty members, over 670 graduate students, and more than 100 undergraduate majors and minors. The department has been expanding rapidly and is an extraordinarily vibrant academic community.

The Department is seeking a highly experienced and accomplished professional to fill the position of Associate Director of Professional Development and Industry Relations. Reporting to the Department Chair and Director of Academic Administration and Finance (DAAF), the Associate Director of Professional Development and Industry Relations plans, organizes, and coordinates career development and industry relations initiatives for all the department's academic and research programs.

Key responsibilities include overseeing and managing career development programs, such as one-on-one coaching sessions, professional development workshops, and year-round events. This role also leads departmental collaborations with Columbia programs and departments, including the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GSAS) Compass and the School of Professional Studies (SPS) Career Design Lab, and manages industry relations initiatives. In consultation with department leadership and faculty, these efforts will be designed to create valuable resources that enhance students' professional skills (e.g., resume writing, cover letters, business writing, networking strategies, interviewing, and communication) and expand career opportunities (e.g., networking with professionals, mentorship from alumni, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized career coaching, including job search strategies, resume and cover letter reviews, interview preparation, networking, and negotiation guidance.
• Liaise with the SPS Career Design Lab and GSAS Compass to plan initiatives that address the needs of Statistics students, including coordinating employer events like career fairs and industry showcases. This involves managing employer communication, logistics, student outreach, and evaluating events to identify areas for improvement and future opportunities.
• Maintain and further expand the department's industry relationships and network.
• Identify career development trends and needs by tracking and analyzing historical job and internship placement data. Prepare such analyses and insights in relevant reports and presentations.
• Occasional evening work during peak seasons in fall and spring is required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualification

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent and a minimum of 3 years related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in a quantitative field.
• Knowledge and understanding of statistics, mathematics, STEM fields, and/or relevant industries is desirable.
• Industrial experience in multiple sectors is highly desirable.
• Previous experience working with international students in higher education or a professional setting.
• Previous experience placing students in a broad range of companies and organizations in the US.

Other Requirements

• Excellent communication and strategic thinking skills.
• Coaching/training experience, especially in career development.
• Strong quantitative and computer skills with proficiency in data analysis tools, MS Office, and Google Suite of productivity tools.
• Strong knowledge and expertise in topics related to professional development, including resume writing, cover letter/business writing, networking strategies, and interviewing processes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and motivate students.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment with diverse populations.
• Commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment that promotes student success.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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