Position Summary

Reporting to the Director and Executive Committee of the Weatherhead East Asian Institute, the Executive Director oversees all aspects of management and strategic planning for the Institute, consistent with the Institute’s mission. With guidance from the Director and Executive Committee, the Executive Director sets priorities and strategic goals for the Institute.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the human resources operations of the Institute. The Executive Director is responsible for the human resources processes and obligations of the Institute, including managing initial and continuing academic appointment procedures; hiring, training, and evaluating all officers of administration and Institute support staff; and training and developing senior staff positions. Working with the Director and Assistant Director, the incumbent will oversee and direct the work of Institute core programmatic staff and support staff, including goal-setting, delegating work, team-building, and mentoring.

• Prepare the annual budget and advise faculty on budgetary priorities for the Institute, with an annual budget of approximately $8 million. The Executive Director ensures implementation of budget priorities and provides oversight of grants, gift, and endowment accounts. Along with the Assistant Director, the Executive Director oversees reporting and grant-writing functions of the Institute, and liaises with granting agencies and donors as needed. The incumbent will manage the implementation of grant programs including: faculty research grants, postdoctoral research awards, as well as prizes and grants to undergraduate and graduate students.

• Develop and plan programming initiatives for the Institute, and work with Institute faculty and staff to ensure the ongoing stability of current programs and outreach activities. The Executive Director works with programming staff to conduct student outreach, including advising current and prospective students, conducting orientations for incoming students with an East Asia focus, and developing new student outreach initiatives.

• Manage the Institute’s public relations and external communications. The incumbent will develop and manage relationships with CU alumni as well as the public on behalf of the Institute and act as a liaison with peer institutions in the US and abroad. The Executive Director represents WEAI on school-wide and university-wide committees, meetings, and caucuses.

• Support fundraising for East Asian teaching and programs. The Executive Director works closely with the University Development and Alumni Relations offices on development activities, liaising with and cultivating potential and existing donors.

• Administer Executive Committee meetings. In consultation with the Director and senior staff the Executive Director develops agendas and discussion points, and ensures implementation of action items.

• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the administrative and strategic goals of the Institute. (5%)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required; advanced degree strongly desirable

• 7-9 years related experience. 

• Experience in academic or research administration, including significant experience working with faculty.

• Experience managing staff.

• Grant writing experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Knowledge of an East Asian language is desirable, as is broad knowledge of Asian studies and familiarity with current affairs in Asia.

• Ability to represent the Institute effectively at all levels of the University and with external constituents and peer institutions.

• Project management experience. Demonstrated ability to engage in strategic planning and to plan/manage a broad range of research and related activities in the field of Asian studies.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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