Overview

Columbia World Projects (CWP) is a university-wide initiative that aims to forge closer and more useful connections between Columbia University’s research capabilities and the needs of the world by mobilizing researchers and scholars in collaboration with governments, organizations, businesses and communities to tackle critical global challenges. CWP’s current areas of social impact include climate, COVID-19, democratic renewal, energy access, inclusive urbanism, maternal health and unequal opportunity in rural America. CWP also leads the Obama Foundation Scholars Program, and engages with faculty, students, and community members to connect knowledge and action.

Columbia World Projects seeks a Project Officer to support the activities and development of its Research & Engagement team. The incumbent will serve as a key member of the team in advancing and administering work and convenings on large-scale problems such as the future of democracy, the character of cities, and initiatives geared to understand how best to enact policy ideas. The Project Officer will work primarily on the initiatives that lie within CWP’s work on “inclusive urbanism,” which explores important aspects of physical, economic, social and political urban life that shape opportunities and the ability of households and communities to thrive. Current work includes convenings and programming addressing urban ecology, municipal democracy, and post-disaster recovery. The incumbent will work independently and collaboratively on matters of research, analysis, coordination, development of programming and administration, working closely with, and reporting to, senior staff at CWP. The Project Officer will have opportunities to engage with all CWP units and participate in project development and may be asked to participate in helping to plan key CWP events. The role reports to the Director of Research and Engagement at CWP.

Responsibilities

  • Develops and manages engagement activities (i.e., workshops, conferences, public events, reports) related to the team’s work and other initiatives as necessary;
  • Project manages the advancement of new convenings, initiatives, and projects (including developing process documents, work plans, and timelines);
  • Conducts literature reviews related to problem areas we look to address; compiles and summarizes notes from meetings and other convenings;
  • Responsible for writing reports, memoranda, convening agendas, and other related documents;
  • Liaises with convening participants (including high-profile scholars, organization leaders, and government officials) and serves as primary communication resource to address questions, issues or concerns;
  • Engages faculty to solicit input into workshop planning, including meeting design and participants related to all convenings on urbanism issues;
  • Supports budget development for the Research and Engagement team. Provides program/event budgetary oversight of up to $5,000. Tracks, monitors, approves, and submits invoices and expenses for payment;
  • Works with finance staff on matters of vendor management and partner relationships;
  • Works with communications staff to advance the digital and analog presence; and
  • Participates in the overall development and management of all Research and Engagement efforts of CWP.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent. 2-4 years of related experience required.

**Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume.**

Preferred Qualifications

  • Keen interest in working in a university setting at the intersection of thinking and doing;
  • Demonstrated experience in programming in higher education or the social sector;
  • Ability to effectively synthesize research and analysis into written reports and documents;
  • Ability to use software platforms and applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Google Drive;
  • Proficiency with research, data collection, review, analysis, and documentation;
  • Organizational and communications skills;
  • Ability to work successfully in a multifaceted, team-oriented environment;
  • Excellent interpersonal and time management skills,
  • Ability to juggle multiple projects at once;
  • Confidence to propose ideas and strategy as work unfolds.
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