Deputy Chief of Staff - Deans Office

Columbia University - New York, NY

Full-time - Mid Level

New York, NY

Educational Services

About the position

The Deputy Chief of Staff at Columbia University's School of General Studies plays a crucial role in managing the daily operations of the Dean's Office. This position is designed for a strategic and detail-oriented professional who will facilitate effective communication between the Dean's Office and other departments, ensuring the smooth functioning of the office. The Deputy Chief of Staff supports the School's mission to provide access to elite education for nontraditional students and oversees initiatives related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This role involves indirect supervision of event teams and direct support for the Dean and Vice Dean in managing critical public-facing functions.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations within the Dean's Office.
• Support the Dean and Vice Dean in their roles and coordinate with key administrative functions.
• Prepare communications, presentations, and speeches for the Dean and Vice Dean.
• Ensure timely preparation of briefs for major events involving the Dean.
• Oversee special school-wide projects on behalf of the Vice Dean.
• Manage the Dean's DEI Steering Committee and related initiatives.
• Supervise DEI initiatives and staff implementation.
• Coordinate with HR and senior leadership to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; Advanced degree preferred.
• 7 to 9 years of related experience required.
• Experience in a university or complex environment is desirable.
• Proven experience in project management and accountability.
• Excellent communication, relationship building, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to navigate organizational ambiguity and change.
• Strong attention to detail and goal-oriented mindset.
• Ability to influence group dynamics and facilitate solutions.