Assistant Director of Admissions

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

Columbia Law School provides its students exceptional training from world-class faculty, access to a wide-ranging and progressive curriculum, hands-on legal experience, and unrivaled career opportunities. The Assistant Director of Admissions is a key member of the Office of Admissions for the Juris Doctor (J.D.) Program, one of the most highly selective law school admissions programs in the country. Reporting to the Director of Admissions, the Assistant Director will work closely with colleagues throughout law school administration to enroll the next generation of extraordinary leaders in the legal community.

Responsibilities

Produce, manage, and oversee the logistics and processes of all on-campus / virtual information sessions for prospective applicants (typically 10-12 / year).

• Includes overseeing recruitment outreach activities related to information sessions held at Columbia, including related mailings, scheduling, student guide selection and training.
• Work with other officers to develop and implement mechanism for collection, storage, and utilization of data related to events.

Shared responsibility for reading, evaluating and rendering decisions on over 8,000 admission applications annually.

• Interacts with prospective and current applicants who visit, call, or correspond with the Office of Admissions.
• Primarily responsible for tracking documentation of international applicants and serves as liaison between ISSO and the Office of Admissions.
• Conducts a substantial portion of interviews of applicants to the J.D. Program
• Oversee the tracking, and handling of travel and lodging logistics related to student recruitment, in particular, management of and reimbursements for all travel related expenses of admitted students.
• As a member of the yield management team, assists with planning events for admitted student outreach programs and receptions; meets with admitted students, including arranging meetings with current students, faculty and administrators; and assists with digital newsletters, as necessary.

Assists in updating publications and materials, mailings, and outreach efforts for our Three- and Four-Year JD / MBA programs.

• Assists in arranging admissions and academic advising-related materials and programming for current JD / MBA students.
• Attends national law fairs and forums.
• Assists in planning engagement activities with current student body, such as lunches or happy hour events
• Works with Dean of Admissions on research and analytical assignments, as well as undertakes special projects and responsibilities as assigned by Dean of Admissions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, plus 3-5 years of relevant professional experience.
• Several years' experience in a professional environment characterized by complex demands, large workloads, deadline pressures and high client / student expectations, preferably in (but not limited to) admissions or student affairs.
• Preference for someone who has a strong understanding of law school or other higher education admissions processes, as well as internal and external policies governing academic administration.
• Computer literacy in spreadsheets and database software.
• Ability to work with culturally diverse constituencies.
• Driver License and evening and weekend work required.
• Must be able to work with diverse constituencies and support an inclusive work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Strategic Thinking - Keeps the Law School's strategic objectives in mind when developing and contributing to plans and initiatives for own work group. Is able to explain the link between team goals and the Law School's strategic direction to work group. Makes informed decisions based on a clear understanding of the impact and consequences involved. Considers key financial factors (e.g., budget, revenue, resources) when making decisions.

Change Adaptability - Stays focused on own work and responsibilities in a changing work environment. Is able to quickly reprioritize to ensure resources (e.g., work group members, systems, tools, etc.) are in place to achieve change objectives.

Communication and Networking - Articulates thoughts clearly and is able to offer logical arguments to gain acceptance of an idea in a positive manner. Consistently communicates to work group and / or supervisor ensuring that everybody is well informed. Proactively builds informal networks at own level and uses them to drive results within own work group.

Drive for Results - Seeks to identify specific improvements or opportunities to combine duplicate efforts to increase efficiency. Takes personal responsibility for seeing tasks and assignments through to completion by set deadlines. Sets high standards for work / deadlines and demonstrates a drive to deliver quality work within the allotted time.

Self-Development and Motivating Others - Self-motivated and detail-oriented. Works independently, as well as collaboratively. Establishes productive working relationships by actively participating in meetings and activities. Listens carefully, encourages and accepts other points of view. Seeks work group input and encourages their participation and involvement. Stays informed on events, trends and other developments in own field of work (e.g., regulations, policies, standards and practices). Has strong commitment to professional development.

Collective skills - Excellent written, oral communication, presentation, as well as interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated ability to manage and multi-task projects in demanding work environment. Exercises sound judgment, discretion and tact in a highly confidential professional setting.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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