Associate Director, Strategic Operations

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $110,000 - $120,000

Position Summary

Reporting to the Deputy Vice President, the Associate Director is a key leadership role within Columbia Residential, responsible for overseeing the strategy, planning, and execution of cross-functional initiatives that impact Leasing, Operations, and Construction. This position has management oversight and full accountability for the Strategic Operations function, including the supervision of two Residential Analysts.

Responsibilities

Strategic Operations Leadership:

• Provide management oversight and direction for Columbia Residential's Strategic Operations function.
• Translate leadership priorities into actionable work plans, ensuring project goals are met through clear structure, accountability, and execution support.

Project Ownership and Accountability:

• Oversee project lifecycles from initiation through completion.
• Ensure strategic initiatives are scoped effectively, timelines are met, and outcomes are delivered with a high standard of quality.
• Maintain a detailed understanding of each project's objectives, risks, and operational context.

Supervision of Residential Analysis:

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  Directly supervise and develop two Residential Analysts. Assign work, review deliverables, coach on analytical approaches, and ensure outputs meet the needs of Leasing, Operations, and Construction. Guide their professional growth and capacity building.

  
  

Operational Integration:

• Collaborate with functional leaders to embed strategic projects within ongoing operations.
• Ensure that project deliverables translate into sustainable changes in policy, process, or service delivery for all residential populations (students, faculty, staff, and affiliates).

Data-Informed Decision Support:

• Ensure high-quality reporting and analysis to support strategic and operational decisions.
• Work with analysts to prioritize data projects, shape reporting frameworks, and align outputs with executive-level planning needs.

Stakeholder Coordination:

• Serve as a central point of contact for internal and external partners on strategic initiatives.
• Build strong relationships across Columbia Residential and with university stakeholders to support shared success and institutional alignment.

Essential Personnel:

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  This position is designated as Essential Personnel. The incumbent is expected to report to their regular or alternate work location during emergency closures or disruptions, as needed.

  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in housing, operations, project management, or strategic planning.
• Proven experience supervising or managing staff with responsibility for output quality and deliverables.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects from concept to implementation.
• Proficient in data analysis, reporting tools, and project management systems (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Power BI, Smartsheet, or similar).
• Excellent organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong judgement, attention to detail, and a solutions-focused mindset.
• Experience in higher education, residential life, or a mission-driven environment preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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