Position Summary

Data Science Institute at Columbia University is a world-leading institute in research and education in theory and practice of the emerging field of data science. The Data Science Institute's mission involves advancing the state of the art in data science, while ensuring the responsible use of data for the benefit of society.  To drive both innovative approaches and best practices for graduate admissions, as well as student-centered services for current students, the Institute invites candidates for the Manager of Events & Special Programs

Reporting to the Chief of Administration and Operations Officer (CAOO) for the Data Science Institute (DSI), the Manager of Events & Special Programs will provide oversight for the full events management & lifecycle for the Institute's portfolio of existing programs, meetings & events.This will include the handling of all logistics to include but not limited to, the design , planning, scheduling, marketing, execution and evaluation of events and meetings ranging in purpose, size and scope. Portfolio includes, but not limited to, the Institute's Colloquium series, I-cubed Series, Data for Good Scholars, Institute & Research Center meetings & retreats, workshops and conferences, as well as oversight for planning involved with coordinating invited guest lecturers, speakers and industry partners.  

The manager will also provide provide logistics, marketing and administrative expertise to the Institute's Leadership Team, and the following administrative staff at the Data Science Institute; Assistant Director of Career Development & Alumni Services; Director of Strategy & Operations Columbia-IBM Center for Blockchain and Data-Transparency; Manager of Industry Engagement, and the Assistant Director of Admissions & Student Services. 

Responsibilities

Institute Events Management -  Build upon and expand the standard operating procedure for Data Science Institute Events Management

•  Provide oversight for the full events management & lifecycle for the Institute's portfolio of existing and new programs & events including but not limited to, the design, planning, marketing, execution, and evaluation of events ranging in purpose size and scope.

• As part of day to day activities, develop and manage calendaring and marketing (web, print and digital) materials for event announcements, invitations, and programs.

• Manage coordination of efforts and planning with a wide variety of internal & external event sponsors and partners while adhering to University best practices and policies governing events and fiscal management.

Annual Events Calendar - Proactively set  an annual events calendar to include the portfolio of recurring event and advance planning of new activities in coordination with the Institute Directorate and staff.

• Assist with drafting correspondence and outreach to invited speakers;

• Scouting and securing space to host events while mitigating costs, and negotiating best rates with internal and external vendors for rentals, catering, A\V, print & promotional materials, etc.

Institute Directorates Signature Programs - Provide marketing and administrative expertise for the Institute's Directorates' signature programs (i.e. internal Postdoc, REU,and research grant opportunities; faculty recruitment activities, DSI and "Data for Good" Scholars, "Data for Good" seminars, etc.) in collaboration with the Chief of Administration.

Additional Responsibilities - Provide support to the Institute's Leadership Team, and collaborate with the Assistant Director of Career Development & Alumni Services; Director of Strategy & Operations Columbia-IBM Center for Blockchain and Data-Transparency; Manager of Industry Engagement on a full range of events & activities, and the Assistant Director of Admissions & Student Services. May be asked to work early morning, evening and weekends as required;

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, and a minimum of 3-5 years of direct experience with event and/or project management;

• Be able to work both independently and as part of a broader team;

• Exercise sound judgement and discretion;

• Exercise effective strategies for balancing competing priorities and deadlinesBe highly detail-oriented; Possess strong organizational skills and effective communication style (verbal & written);

• Possess the ability to work efficiently with a broad constituency of internal and external collaborators;

• Experienced with webpage content editing (i.e. Drupal) and be comfortable  learning new technology to support the position;

• Prior experience with tools to support marketing and advertising a plus (i.e. Adobe Creative Suite).

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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