Academic Coordinator

• Job Type: Support Staff - Union
• Bargaining Unit: Local 2110
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $58,000 - $60,000

Position Summary

Reporting to the MA Program Director (PD) and working in close collaboration with the Associate and Assistant Directors (ADs), the Academic Coordinator provides comprehensive administrative and logistical support for the Mathematics of Finance Master's program (MAFN). The Academic Coordinator manages day-to-day operations involving faculty, students, and University partners to ensure the efficient functioning of this top-ranked graduate program. Serving as a central point of coordination, the role supports all facets of the program, including academic administration, events, admissions, student services, and career development, promoting a seamless and well-integrated experience for the MAFN community.

The Department of Mathematics is a world-class center of discovery, collaboration, and innovation in the mathematical sciences. Home to distinguished faculty, researchers, and students, the department fosters a thriving intellectual community enriched by visiting scholars from around the globe. Research spans an extraordinary range of areas from Algebraic Geometry, Geometric Analysis, and Mathematical Physics to Number Theory, Probability & Financial Mathematics, and Topology, reflecting the department's deep commitment to both foundational theory and emerging frontiers to train the next generation of mathematical leaders, positioning Columbia University at the forefront of mathematical thought and global scholarship.

Responsibilities

Student Coordination

• Serve as the first point of contact for student inquiries, providing guidance and triage support on academic and career-related matters.
• Advise students on course registration processes and policies, including course approvals, mandatory requirements, cross-registration, and waiver procedures.
• Collaborate with the Program Director and Associate/Assistant Directors to develop and implement a comprehensive communication plan, ensuring the timely dissemination of academic calendars, newsletters, key dates, and updates on departmental and University policies.
• Assist with student graduation clearances, ensuring compliance with all academic and administrative requirements.
• Provide administrative support for the implementation and coordination of the GSAS BA/MA option.

General administration

• Provide logistical support for faculty, including classroom setup and equipment maintenance.
• Manage updates and content editing for the MAFN program website.
• Coordinate speaker visits for the Practitioners' Seminar in collaboration with the Program Director.
• Maintain and update student and alumni databases, including advising notes and Mailchimp contact lists.
• Assist the Program Director and Associate/Assistant Directors with generating and formatting reports from program databases, such as academic audits, registration summaries, and graduation clearances.
• Manage the program's Purchasing Card, including monthly reconciliations and ensuring full compliance with university purchasing policies and procedures.
• Serve as a liaison with university offices and departments, such as the Registrar and GSAS, to support program operations.
• Maintain and organize the program's digital records and shared drives (e.g., Dropbox, Google Drive).

Event Planning and Support

• Collaborate with the Program and Associate/Assistant Directors to initiate and manage event-related purchasing and vendor coordination.
• Provide comprehensive administrative and logistical support for both in-person and virtual events.
• Support the planning, logistics, and execution of major annual events, including Orientation, Graduation, Alumni Roundtables, and the Alumni Networking Dinner, with attendance required for select evening events.

Career Development/Alumni

• Support the recruitment efforts of prospective employers seeking to hire current MA students and alumni by drafting job postings and assisting with the coordination and collection of application materials.
• Provide administrative coordination for the Alumni Mentorship Program, including communication, scheduling, and record maintenance.
• Maintain and update the program's LinkedIn page to engage alumni and foster connections with employers and industry partners.

Admissions

• Assist the Program and Associate/Assistant Directors in coordinating and managing the administrative components of the admissions process.
• Serve as the first point of contact for prospective student inquiries, ensuring timely and professional responses, and escalate complex or urgent matters to the Program or Associate/Assistant Directors as appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma and 3 years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Vergil/SSOL, Columbia SDR/SIS, Slate, or similar admissions platforms.
• Ability to manage large amounts of data, create complex spreadsheets, and manage multiple databases.

Other Requirements

• A high degree of accuracy, detail-oriented, and strong organizational skills to coordinate multiple projects with competing priorities skillfully.
• Ability to work proactively and strategically in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and administrative skills, as well as strong skills in written and oral expression.
• Must have a friendly and professional customer-focused approach to supporting students.
• Ability to effectively partner with a diverse group of administrators.
• Must be available to help support student inquiries during peak times of the year, with occasional evening hours - orientation, key registration dates, and graduation.
• Punctual, reliable, with effective time and project management skills.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work in an entrepreneurial environment and enjoys building and creating new processes.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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