Overview

Position Summary

The Associate Director, Artists’ Resource Center (ARC) and Alumni Affairs is a key member of the Student and Alumni Affairs team. Reporting to the Dean of Student and Alumni Affairs, the incumbent will work to develop the Artists’ Resource Center and to support alumni programming and engagement through networking opportunities, and in collaboration with the School of the Arts and University partners.

The ideal candidate should have experience implementing co-curricular programming in creative and dynamic environments. They should also understand and be committed to fostering a community that thrives in diversity, where all members are equitably supported. 

Responsibilities

  • Manage the School of the Arts Community Portal to maximize professional development offerings for School of the Arts students and alumni, including managing and growing employer and organizational contacts for student and alumni opportunities.
  • Help develop and maintain the Artists’ Resource Center page on the School of the Arts website; manage and maintain job postings and information on internships, grants, scholarships, residences, festivals and other career building opportunities; work to ensure that these opportunities are effectively promoted and disseminated.
  • In consultation with each program, coordinate information sessions on a variety of job-related topics. Provide general information and consultations on professional development topics such as resume/CV preparation and review, job interviewing, salary negotiation, and professional best practices.
  • Train and supervise ARC fellows to serve as peer counselors.
  • Manage ARC Fellows to compile regular newsletters that list professional opportunities and upcoming funding deadlines of interest to students and alumni.
  • Develop a network of alumni volunteers with expertise in particular fields to counsel and/or mentor students.
  • Maintain statistics and profiles on students and alumni careers and job placement.
  • Work with the Dean of Student and Alumni Affairs to coordinate student and alumni evaluations of programming efforts.
  • Develop and administer surveys to track alumni outcomes.
  • Manage and support alumni programming, activities and communications with a focus on networking opportunities and professional development.
  • Create and distribute monthly newsletter to School of the Arts alumni.
  • Work with the Columbia Alumni Association (CAA), Columbia Alumni Association Arts Access (CAA Arts Access) and other central University offices as needed to serve SOA students and alumni.
  • Manage a database of around 8,000 School of the Arts alumni using Salesforce and Advance/Athena programs.
  • Create and maintain social networking sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to encourage alumni networking.
  • Works with School of the Arts Student Affairs colleagues to assist alumni with any administrative issues and concerns.
  • Participation in evening and weekend activities as required, including attending student and alumni events. Some travel may be required.
  • Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned/requested.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree and at least five years of related experience required.
  • Strong interest and engagement in the arts.
  • Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Ability to develop and sustain excellent working relationships with School of the Arts faculty and the larger Columbia community.
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment on concurrent projects.
  • Ability to exercise exceptionally good judgment, to be innovative, and to understand the importance of the School of the Arts and University governance and policy.
  • Tact, discretion and ability to maintain complete confidentiality are essential.
  • Computer experience (word processing, database management, report servers, spreadsheets, social networking).
  • Ability and willingness to learn new software and systems.
  • Enthusiasm for creativity and program building.
  • Knowledge of contemporary arts and letters, and specific experience in at least one of the Programs of study at the School of the Arts: Film, Theatre, Visual Arts, and/or Writing and a willingness to learn about the other respective industries.
  • Participation in evening and weekend activities as required, including attending student and alumni events. Some travel may be required.

Preferred Qualifications

  • MFA or other related graduate degree preferred.
  • Experience working with artists and in one or more artistic industries desirable.

Other Requirements

All applicants must attach a cover letter and résumé. Applications without these two documents will not be considered.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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

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