Coordinator, ISERP

Position Summary

The Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy (ISERP) is Columbia University’s research institute dedicated to the social sciences. ISERP supports researchers, faculty, students, and social science research through research development, education, and training programs, centers, and programmatic initiatives.

Reporting to the Director of Administration and Finance (DAF), the Coordinator serves as the primary point of contact for ISERP’s faculty, staff, and visitors. The incumbent will answer inquiries, direct visitors to appropriate personnel, and orient new affiliates to ISERP’s organization, spaces, and resources.

The Coordinator will also assist and liaise with staff on programmatic initiatives, event planning, facilities management, accounts payable, procurement transactions, reconciliations, reporting, and student casual timesheet processing.

Responsibilities

Administrative and Event Support (35%):

• Partner with the DAF on Executive Committee-related activities, including scheduling meetings, communicating details, preparing materials, and coordinating catering.
• Assist with the coordination of annual Advisory Board meetings.
• Support programmatic initiatives, including distributing announcements and providing on-site event support.
• Provide administrative support to labs and programs within the Institute.
• Coordinate with speakers and participants; liaise with vendors for event materials and branding.
• Collaborate with University offices on event planning and execution (may require evening and occasional weekend hours).
• Maintain the College Walk display to promote ISERP events.
• Update and maintain the website content by reviewing, editing, and publishing information to ensure accuracy and timely updates.
• Draft and distribute emails and web announcements to ISERP affiliates.
• Assist the DAF in scheduling biweekly staff meetings and internal events.

Facilities and Space Management (30%):

• Manage office, conference, and storage space across the International Affairs Building (IAB) and the Interchurch Center (TIC).
• Maintain occupancy records and coordinate building access for TIC and IAB by communicating with appropriate building staff and Public Safety.
• Track furniture inventory and conduct regular walk-throughs to ensure upkeep.
• Liaise with TIC, CU Facilities, and IT staff for space and equipment maintenance.
• Schedule conference room usage and coordinate AV setup.
• Communicate updates regarding repairs or building issues to occupants.
• Submit and track service requests with Columbia and TIC staff.
• Maintain inventory records, including off-site storage files.

Financial Support (25%):

• Process accounts payable procurement transactions (e.g., Concur reimbursement, vouchers).
• Assist with reconciliations and financial reporting for unrestricted and restricted projects.
• Maintain a departmental P-Card, including purchasing and reconciliation.
• Reconcile phone and internet expenses using Pinnacle reports.

HR/Student Timesheets (10%):

• Serve as backup support for student casual payroll processing, including timesheet review and reminders.
• Assist with staff engagement and team-building initiatives.
• Hire, train, and supervise Work Study students; assign tasks, review, and approve hours.
• Maintain standard operating procedures for Work Study students.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Three years of related experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

• Some college preferred.
• Some experience in an academic environment.
• Familiarity with the PAC and Columbia systems is a plus.

Other Requirements

• Events may require evening and occasional weekend hours.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain high confidentiality and professionalism with a client focus.
• Strong multi-tasking, prioritization, and organization skills.
• Attention to detail, critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Work well in an interactive team environment.
• Ability to respond to time-sensitive requests and work in a deadline-driven environment.