Reporting to the Vice Provost for Academic Planning and overseeing the Office of Global Engagement (OGE), the incumbent will serve as the College’s chief liaison between the internal College community and a wide range of international partners, governments, donors, and organizations. In this capacity, the Director will be expected to foster partnerships, programs, and research that contribute to the advancement of a strong, strategic global vision for TC.
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leadership & Administration
Serve as the College’s chief liaison between the internal College community and a wide range of international partners, governments, donors, and organizations
Oversee the establishment of and adherence to internal policies, guidelines, and services for international engagement
Draft policies and guidelines for collaboration with international partner institutions and review partnership proposals to ensure compliance with TC policy and institutional strategic goals
Supervise the tracking of the College’s international activities, and ensure compliance with annual reporting on disclosures of foreign gifts and contracts
Lead the office’s annual planning to bring international programming goals in line with broader institutional goals
Supervise full-time and part-time staff
Oversee recruitment, hiring and training of new staff members as needed
Oversee budget operations and planning
International Collaboration & Programming
Identify and evaluate international partnership opportunities for TC, and cultivate ongoing relationships
Negotiate institutional agreements, develop scopes of work, and work closely with the Office of General Counsel to examine risk and finalize agreements (e.g. contracts, MOUs, etc.)
Collaborate with the nine Columbia Global Centers (CGC), facilitating faculty and student involvement with the Centers, and representing TC on various CGC advisory boards when needed.
Facilitate, manage and support the planning and implementation of a range of externally-funded international projects both internationally and on campus, including professional development programs and study tours.
Review and contribute to faculty-led grant/project proposals, and budget development.
Maintain ongoing partnerships and related activities
Collaborate with the Office of International Students and Scholars to support various initiatives, including those involving visiting students and scholars at TC
Provide guidance for individual faculty requests, including support for faculty exchange programs such as the European Union’s Erasmus Program
Draft reports on international engagement (programs, trends, risk etc.) for senior leadership
Host international delegations and guests (and other events involving protocol), including organizing and financing refreshments, meals and culturally appropriate gift exchanges, when needed
Regularly update and disseminate international travel information, including travel to high risk countries
Supervise support for faculty and staff with TC-related travel plans and procedures (e.g. securing flights, visas; planning itineraries, etc.)
Promote TC’s international activities
Collaborate with the Office of Sponsored Programs on international grants
Support TC departments, faculty and staff with engaging in international activities and understanding policies and procedures around international travel and expenses
Student & Scholar Engagement
Engage with the College’s Fulbright U.S. Student Program administration, overseeing the annual application cycle and the faculty committee review process; acting as the College’s representative at IIE/Fulbright events; and supporting other relevant activities
Administer the International Travel Grant for matriculated students engaging in research or activities abroad
Collaborate with external partners to provide international academic and professional opportunities for TC students, including:
Supporting TC NEXT with securing relevant experts for campus panels and connecting them with global organizations interested in recruiting TC students and alumni
Serving as institutional representative and providing letters of support for students applying for or embarking on international internships
Promote student and alumni engagement through ongoing features on the OGE website
Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s degree, with one degree desirably in a relevant field, such as international education or relations.
Four (4) years of professional experience in international programming or administration, preferably with faculty engagement
An exceptional writer and communicator able to respond promptly and diplomatically to requests and challenges
Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office and Google Suite as well as the ability to learn and use web-based technology
Administrative and management experience including, but not limited to staff management, budget management, program analysis, and reporting
Experience with using Google sheets and Excel to manage operational and project budgets, preferably of $100,000 or more
Demonstrated experience establishing collaborative projects and partnerships in an international setting
Knowledge of international issues and experience that may include multicultural understanding, international living and/or travel, facility with foreign languages, etc.
Experience working in a cross functional, team based environment
Outstanding versatility and flexibility, with a high degree of comfort changing and refining priorities and targets and working across different time zones, cultures, and business practices
Able to travel domestically and internationally as needed
Preferred Qualifications:
Doctorate degree in a relevant field
Experience directing global institutional partnerships and supporting students in higher education institutions
Experience with technology and software common to higher education (e.g., PageUp, Banner, SLATE, etc.)
Experience with project management software (e.g. JIRA, Notion, Asana, Microsoft Access etc.)
Fluency in at least one foreign language and/or experience living abroad
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews will begin thereafter. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. For questions, please email [email protected]
Teachers College, Columbia University, is the oldest and largest graduate school of education in the United States, and also perennially ranked among the nation's best. Its name notwithstanding, the College is committed to a vision of education writ large, encompassing our four core areas of expertise: health, education, leadership and psychology.
