Administrative Director

Job Summary/Basic Function:

Teachers College invites applications for the position of Administrative Director to support the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Provost and Dean in leading Academic Affairs. This is a dynamic and pivotal role that builds community and collaboration within and across units and identifies strategies for operational improvements by investing in people and good ideas. The person in this position:

• Provides administrative support for the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Provost, and Dean of  the College  

• Works collaboratively with campus partners on matters requiring the Provost’s involvement and/or decision-making authority  

• Independently manages all aspects of the day-to-day activities of the Provost’s office, including  the calendar for Provost, managing the provost’s office email account, and maintaining presence within the Provost’s Office space. 

• Collaborates with campus partners, including the President’s Office, Institutional Advancement, and General Counsel to support activities related to the President’s Cabinet

• Plans and coordinates monthly Faculty Meetings, Department Chair meetings, and Provost’s Leadership Meetings.

• Plans and coordinates special events for the Office of the Provost for internal and external guests

• Develops Communications for the Provost’s Office for multiple stakeholder audiences, including internal and external audiences, the faculty body, and the Teachers College Community, consulting with the Provost as well as the Communications team in Institutional Advancement

• Coordinates speaking engagements for the Provost

• Assists with special projects as determined by the Provost

• Serves as a primary point of contact for student inquiries to the Office of the Provost

• Assists with project management for the Provost’s leadership team 

• Handles sensitive and confidential information appropriately and discreetly  

• Prepares materials for the Provost for all events and meetings; drafts agendas for meetings as needed 

• Maintains the Provost’s Office website, provides administrative support for annual Provost-led events, coordinates the quarterly News and Notes newsletter

• Monitors campus, local, and national news outlets to ensure the Provost, team members, and the Communications team are made aware when Teachers College is in the news and/or there are issues  that will impact Teachers College 

• Supervises student employees, on an as-needed basis

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in education training and experience

• Experience: 5+ years of experience supporting senior management in a complex higher  education environment 

• This position requires an exceptional level of organizational skills, and outstanding  interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal). 

• The successful candidate will have the ability to work effectively and sensitively with students, faculty, and staff and to handle sensitive and confidential  materials and situations. 

• The ideal candidate will consistently demonstrate a commitment to innovation and collaboration, bringing  original  thinking and informed risk-taking in pursuit of effective and innovative solutions. . They will possess the organizational acumen and planning skills necessary to execute high-level events with professionalism and excellence. 

• Because much of this work moves through digital environments, we require a high level of  proficiency with information technology applications, including spreadsheets, presentation  software, and word processing. We seek expertise in all Microsoft Suite software, Adobe  Acrobat, and Google applications, web editing, and Zoom. 

• We require a demonstrated high level of critical thinking, problem-solving, and initiative. 

• The successful candidate must be: a self-starter, able to set priorities and handle  multiple assignments and deadlines;  learn quickly and stay calm in the face of  concurrent tasks; possess evidence of successful adaptation to change; and display excellent judgment while operating in a highly professional manner. 

• The Provost’s Office depends on our staff to work successfully in a team environment, as  well as work independently. Because this position regularly sends out official documents  on behalf of the Provost and the Provost’s Office, a high degree of attention to detail and  accuracy is necessary.

• We require a demonstrated ability to exercise a positive, service-oriented attitude, solid judgment and the ability to handle challenging situations with tact and diplomacy.

Preferred Qualifications:

• The preferred candidate will have excellent problem-detection and problem-solving skills, a track record of establishing and maintaining positive work relationships across departments and divisions, and a demonstrated commitment to inclusion. 
• The preferred candidate will have experience in the dual role of supporting senior management and building community within and across work teams for the greater good.

Salary Range:

$84,800 - $115,000

Work Modality:

Onsite

This position requires full-time, on-site presence and is not eligible for remote work, with the exception of the summer Friday remote arrangements. Because the Administrative Director provides critical in-person support to the daily operations of the Provost’s Office, the individual in this role is expected to be on campus five days a week throughout the academic year.

Competitive Compensation and Benefits 

The salary range reflects the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation for the position at the time of the job posting.  Salary decisions are dependent on several factors including but not limited to market and organizational considerations, experience, and qualifications of a selected candidate as well as internal and external equity.

Our benefits contribute significantly to the total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance plans; flexible and hybrid work schedules; tuition remission; life insurance; short and long-term disability insurance; an exceptional employer retirement matching program; health savings accounts (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, and a robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Equal Employment Opportunity

Teachers College is committed to fostering an inclusive academic community and to providing equal opportunity in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, sex, religion, creed, national origin, age, citizenship, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable law.

If you would like to discuss any disability-related accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or a similar law, related to applying for employment at Teachers College, Columbia University, please email the Office of Access and Services for Individuals with Disabilities: oasid@tc.columbia.edu

Advertised: Aug 25, 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: