Director of Student Affairs

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule: Hybrid Schedule (3 Days On-site)
• Salary Range: $115,000 - $125,000

Position Summary

Columbia School of Social Work (CSSW) has been a leader in social work education and research since 1898. Our mission is to foster social work education, practice, and research that strengthen and expand the opportunities, resources, and capabilities of all persons to achieve their full potential and well-being. Our mission extends beyond the classroom, aiming to create a tangible impact on communities around the world.

The Director of Student Affairs at CSSW plays a critical role enhancing student engagement, supporting student services, and overseeing registrar functions. Reporting to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Enrollment, the Director is responsible for providing strategic oversight that ensures student services and engagement initiatives are well-coordinated and effective. The Director will collaborate across departments to integrate resources that empower students in their educational journey, encouraging independence and proactive problem-solving. Additionally, the Director will oversee a comprehensive student affairs budget, manage processes related to student registration and enrollment, and play a key role in aligning student services with the strategic priorities of the school.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Vision:

• Develop and execute a vision for student affairs that enhances student engagement, leadership, and well-being, while fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment that addresses the diverse needs of CSSW students.

Student Services Management:

• Provide strategic oversight for student services, including registration, records management, and academic advising, while the Associate Director of Student Affairs manages day-to-day operations.
• Lead efforts to streamline registration and enrollment for master's and doctoral programs, ensuring accurate statuses and continuity of services (e.g., health insurance) for students.
• Oversee and manage Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) evaluations, degree auditing, and transfer credit approvals, in conjunction with the Office of Advising, to ensure academic standards are consistently met.
• Collaborate with the Director of the doctoral program to develop and implement improved systems for managing doctoral student enrollment, ensuring continuity in services, benefits, and transparency throughout the student journey.
• Drive continuous improvement of student service systems, including registration and enrollment protocols, focusing on efficiency, removing barriers for students, and ensuring seamless processes for both master's and doctoral programs.
• Ensure effective collaboration between student services and other key departments, including Financial Aid, Admissions, Career Leadership, Practicum Learning, and Academic Affairs, to provide cohesive student support.
• Act as a liaison to the University's Disability Services office to ensure student approved accommodations are deployed effectively.

Student Life and Engagement:

• Support the Associate Director of Student Leadership and Engagement in designing and implementing initiatives that enhance student life, including community-building activities and leadership development programs.
• Assist in the planning and execution of key events, including orientation, graduation, and various affinity graduations, ensuring a cohesive experience that reflects the School's values of diversity, inclusion, and equity.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director to ensure student leadership initiatives and engagement opportunities are well-resourced and aligned with broader school goals, offering guidance and oversight as needed.
• Maintain accountability for the overall strategic vision of student engagement while empowering the Associate Director to lead day-to-day activities and program execution.

Social Work Licensure Preparation:

• Lead the School's initiatives related to social work licensure, collaborating with Academic Affairs, curriculum developers, Career Leadership, and Practicum Learning to ensure students are equipped with the knowledge and resources necessary to pursue licensure confidently and independently.
• Develop resource materials, workshops, and educational tools that integrate licensure preparation into the student experience, promoting independent learning.
• Ensure that licensure requirements are consistently communicated to students and that there are accessible, self-directed pathways for students to follow.

Compliance and Policy Development:

• Administer and enforce university policies related to academic progress and grading, ensuring compliance with institutional and federal guidelines (e.g., FERPA).
• Oversee the implementation of registrar policies, maintaining accurate student records and ensuring data integrity across systems.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Supervise the associate directors and support staff within the Office of Student Affairs, ensuring professional development, team cohesion and empowerment, and fostering an environment that encourages innovation to improve student services delivery.

Budget and Resource Management:

• Oversee the $500K Student Affairs budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources to support student services and initiatives.
• Work closely with the Associate Dean and to develop budget plans that align with the School's strategic goals and address student needs.
• Manage financial reporting and work with the Associate Dean to plan for future financial needs.

Other Duties:

Perform additional responsibilities as required to support the goals of the Student Affairs department and CSSW.

Minimum Qualifications

* A Bachelor's degree and 5-7 years of relevant experience required.

Other Requirements

• Demonstrated leadership and management experience.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with strong judgment and discretion.
• Excellent written communication skills and demonstrated editing, proofing, and writing experience. Ability to write clear and concise correspondence.
• Accuracy and attention to detail, the ability to problem-solve, consistent and effective follow-through on all matters, excellent customer service, and diplomacy.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across a complex organization.
• Flexibility to work occasional evening and weekend hours required.

APPLICATIONS WITH COVER LETTERS WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY CONSIDERATION

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Degree strongly preferred
• Familiarity with modern student engagement tools and platforms such as degree auditing systems (Stellic) and online learning management systems.
• Knowledge of higher education regulations, including FERPA and disability accommodations.
• Experience developing, implementing, and evaluating training programs focused on Title VI compliance, unconscious bias, social justice, or related areas.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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