Program Manager, Global Impact Lab

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

The Global Impact Lab is a key program at Columbia Climate School that co-creates and scales Impact Initiatives built collaboratively with by faculty, researchers, and strategic partners to address urgent climate challenges. Working with interdisciplinary teams, the Global Impact Lab helps source, accelerate, and advance bold ideas from concept to execution, aiming to drive systemic change.

This is an opportunity to help shape innovative solutions at the intersection of climate, sustainability, and social equity, and to work closely with leaders and changemakers across disciplines.

Responsibilities

Program administration and operation :

Manage a range of administrative processes, in collaboration with Impact Initiative teams, to execute initiatives supported by the Global Impact Lab.

These include budget planning, scheduling, coordinating contracts and payments, maintaining project documentation, and onboarding new initiatives.

The Project Manager will also support day-to-day operations, troubleshoot logistical challenges, and contribute to improving administrative systems and workflows.

Program management :

Oversee the implementation of key initiatives and manage the review process by coordinating with internal teams and external partners.

Establish clear timelines and detailed agendas for program activities, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

Develop and apply Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning tools to assess progress, measure impact, and generate insights that inform ongoing program improvement and long-term development.

Communications and outreach :

Draft and edit written communications-including emails, memos, and letters-for both internal and external stakeholders.

Contribute to the preparation of reports, briefings, and presentations. Assist in the design and dissemination of surveys and other feedback tools to gather insights and inform program strategy and stakeholder engagement.

Meeting and workshop planning :

Lead and support the planning and execution of in-person and virtual events, workshops, and meetings.

Responsibilities include scheduling, preparing session materials, coordinating logistics, providing organizational support, and taking notes or producing summaries as needed to ensure smooth and effective delivery.

Program design and strategy :

Contribute to the program's strategic planning by conducting background research to support project development and identifying opportunities for innovation and impact.

Assist in shaping program goals, designing new initiatives, and aligning activities with the broader mission of the Global Impact Lab.

Special projects and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience, with 2-4 years of relevant professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent experience in a related field such as climate, environment, or sustainability.
• Experience supporting strategic partnerships or cross-sector collaborations.
• Proven experience managing budgets, schedules, and multi-stakeholder projects.
• Strong operational and organizational skills, with the ability to adapt to changing needs and think creatively.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to respond quickly and effectively.
• Experience with program monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL).
• Willingness to provide hands-on support and contribute to a collaborative, team-oriented work environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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