Undergraduate Program Manager

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Academic Administration and Finance (DAAF) and working closely with the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) and the Department Chair, the Undergraduate Program Manager oversees the day-to-day administration and coordination of the Department’s undergraduate program, one of the largest programs within the department. The role manages program operations, student advising coordination, communications, and academic initiatives that support student success and program quality. The incumbent works closely with faculty, students, and university offices to ensure effective program delivery, consistent application of academic policies, and a positive student experience.

The Department of Economics at Columbia University is globally recognized as a leading institution for research, teaching, and study of economics, with renowned faculty specializing in fields such as Behavioral and Experimental Economics, Development Economics, Econometrics, Finance, Health and Education, Political Economy, and more. It offers a general economics major and five interdisciplinary majors tailored to the diverse interests and professional goals of its students. All undergraduate programs share a foundation of core theoretical courses leading to advanced electives and a senior seminar, while graduate students benefit from exceptional research training guided by faculty who are leaders in their respective fields.

Responsibilities

Undergraduate Program Administration and Student Advising Coordination

• Serve as the primary administrative liaison between undergraduate students, the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Columbia College, the School of General Studies, and the Registrar’s Office.
• Coordinate with advising and student support offices across the University, including the Berick Center for Student Advising, Academic Advising in the School of General Studies, the Center for Career Education, the Center for Undergraduate Global Engagement, and the Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Office, to support student advising and degree progression.
• Work closely with the Barnard College Department of Economics on matters affecting students enrolled across institutions.
• Manage the faculty advisor assignment process for declared majors and maintain records of faculty advising assignments.
• Administer the department’s Graduate Student Advisors Program, including coordinating appointments and training for graduate student advisors who support undergraduate major advising.
• Maintain coordination with the Registrar’s Office and undergraduate administrative offices to address student-related issues and ensure appropriate resolution.
• Supervise and coordinate the workflow of the Undergraduate Program Coordinator.

Academic Program Operations and Curriculum Coordination

• Partner with faculty committees to implement departmental policies and procedures related to the undergraduate program.
• Coordinate with the Director of Undergraduate Studies and the Curriculum Planning Committee on course scheduling and curricular planning.
• Manage the coordination of teaching assistant assignments for undergraduate courses in collaboration with the MA and PhD Program Managers.
• Compile and analyze program data to prepare reports that support departmental decision-making by faculty leadership and committees.
• Assist faculty leadership in benchmarking the department’s undergraduate program against peer institutions.
• Maintain program records and support the consistent application of academic policies and procedures.

Student Engagement, Communications, and Program Initiatives

• Develop and coordinate programming that supports academic enrichment and community building within the undergraduate program, including workshops, advising initiatives, and informational sessions related to academic planning and graduate study in economics.
• Organize departmental events and outreach activities for prospective majors and current students.
• Serve as administrative advisor to the Columbia Economics Review.
• Coordinate departmental participation in university-wide student engagement events, including the Academic Resources Fair.
• Develop and manage communications to undergraduate students regarding program policies, deadlines, opportunities, and events, including program newsletters and announcements.
• Coordinate processes related to undergraduate honors and prizes and manage the Wueller Teaching Awards process.
• Assist with graduation clearance reviews and verification of degree requirements.

Assessment, Reporting, and Program Improvement

• Coordinate program assessment initiatives, including student exit interviews and surveys related to program quality and student experience.
• Analyze survey results and prepare summary reports for faculty leadership to inform program improvements.
• Support faculty leadership in evaluating the operational impact of changes to program requirements and assist with the development of procedures that support implementation.
• Facilitate communication with faculty committees, advisors, and students regarding updates to program policies and requirements.

Financial and Operational Management

• Monitor and administer the undergraduate program budget.
• Coordinate with departmental leadership on operational needs related to the undergraduate program.
• Manage special projects and initiatives that support the administration and development of the undergraduate program.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and a minimum of 1-3 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in an academic environment.
• Knowledge of university academic systems and procedures.

Other Requirements

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Attention to detail, critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to exercise professionalism, diplomacy, discretion, firmness, and collaboration with individuals at all levels.
• Strong multitasking, prioritization, and organization skills, with the ability to manage priorities in an interactive team environment.
• Self-starter and fast learner who can work independently under limited supervision, making sound day-to-day decisions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Drive.
• Capacity to quickly acquire detailed knowledge of university policies, procedures, and systems.