Position Summary
University Life is a central division that cultivates an inclusive, connected University community across Columbia’s campuses and 17 schools. We serve as a hub for student engagement, cross-school collaboration, and coordinated University-wide initiatives that strengthen the student experience. Our work is grounded in building trusted relationships across the institution so that students can access the resources, opportunities, and support systems they need to succeed.
We strive to ensure that every Columbia student experiences a deep sense of belonging and community, empowering them to have a meaningful impact at the University through their relationships, contributions, and engagement. Guided by our core values of connection, integrity, respect, service, and continuous learning, we are committed to creating environments where students feel welcomed, supported, and equipped to succeed throughout their academic journeys.
Through close collaboration with students, faculty, and staff, University Life champions a Columbia defined by inclusion, community citizenship, and holistic support. We work toward a Columbia where every student can grow, connect, and thrive.
This position sits within the Strategic Student Engagement unit and is part of the Engagement & Education Department (E&E). E&E advances vibrant and inclusive cross-school communities by creating opportunities for students to build meaningful connections, engage across differences, and strengthen their sense of social responsibility. We see ourselves as educators and approach co-curricular engagement as an intentional part of student learning and development. This work is guided by our educational priority that, through their engagement with E&E programs, students will deepen their ability to courageously connect and co-create inclusive communities as engaged global citizens.
The Associate Director for Leadership Development and Education is expected to understand how their work advances the E&E educational priority and to apply the curriculum, learning goals and outcomes, student feedback, and assessment practices in ways appropriate to the position.
Reporting to the Director of Student Engagement & Education, the Associate Director for Leadership Development & Education supports the day-to-day management and implementation of the Education & Training portfolio, including student leadership development, educational programs, and onboarding initiatives offered by University Life to first-year students across Columbia. The Associate Director works within the department’s vision, curricular framework, priorities, and standards established by the Director to implement effective programs, learning experiences, facilitation approaches, and processes that support consistent and effective delivery.
The Associate Director applies the E&E Curriculum, student feedback, and assessment practices to strengthen learning experiences that are developmentally appropriate and responsive to student needs. This includes applying backward design and incorporating opportunities for practice, reflection, and application to support meaningful learning outcomes.
