Assistant Director of Programs

Columbia University in the City of New York: Columbia Law School

Open Date

July 10, 2025

Salary Range and Pay Grade

$65,800 - $69,000; Grade 11

Description

The Columbia Law School Human Rights Institute (HRI) advances human rights around the world by working with civil society partners and prepares students for lifelong careers in social justice advocacy. The Institute works on a wide range of urgent human rights issues, from armed conflict and sexual violence to workers’ rights, environmental injustice, and the rights to education, health, and water.

The Assistant Director of Programs (ADP) will play a key role in advancing the mission of the Human Rights Institute (HRI) at Columbia Law School (CLS). Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the ADP will serve as the primary administrative lead for HRI. This includes detailed administrative coordination of human rights programs and initiatives—such as organizing events and workshops; coordinating with faculty, student organizations, and external partners; managing logistical planning and travel arrangements; tracking budgets and handling financial processes; overseeing communications and public-facing materials; updating HRI’s website and managing its newsletter; and administering student-facing programming, including awards, fellowships, and orientation activities. The role is ideal for someone who excels in administrative organization, multitasking, and process management, with a strong commitment to supporting human rights programming in an academic environment.

The successful applicant will be provided with mentoring and opportunities to advance their career. They will also join a vibrant law school and human rights community, with significant opportunities to attend and contribute to frequent talks and events on human rights and social justice issues.

Responsibilities  

Program Management and Coordination:

  • Human Rights Events and Workshops:
    • Organize and execute key HRI events such as lunchtime talks, panel discussions, guest speaker engagements, and workshops (12-15 events per semester).
    • Coordinate logistics such as room reservations, catering, AV setup, and collaborate with student groups, faculty, and external speakers.
    • Manage event promotion through email, flyers, social media, and the CLS website.
  • Student Programming:
    • Conduct the administration of HRI programs for law students, including programs for 1L human rights students, LLM human rights fellows, HRI research assistants, HRI student awards, and orientation programming.
    • Such work includes: working with HRI to support the design of these programs, handling applications, liaising with students, organizing seminars and events, reviewing proposals, coordinating logistics, ensuring smooth event executive, managing catering and event set-up.

Communication and Outreach:

  • External and Internal Communications:
    • Draft and edit communications including newsletters, reports, and event announcements.
    • Disseminate reports and updates via email, social media, and the HRI website.
  • Website and Social Media Management:
    • Maintain and update the HRI website with information on upcoming events and initiatives.
    • Enhance the Institute’s social media presence by creating engaging posts and event updates.
  • Event Promotion:
    • Develop promotional materials (flyers, posters, digital assets) and distribute across CLS platforms.

Administrative and Operational Support:

  • Financial Management and Record-Keeping:
    • Support financial management, including tracking program budgets, processing invoices, and reconciling expenses.
    • Work with the Columbia Law School Business Office to ensure financial compliance and prepare financial reports.
  • General Administrative Support:
    • Assist with scheduling meetings, organizing travel, and responding to inquiries.
    • Ensure efficient operations by managing office systems and developing streamlined administrative processes.
  • Event and Program Evaluation:
    • Track and evaluate the effectiveness of programs and events, gathering feedback to inform future programming decisions.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent related experience required.
  • Minimum of 2 years of work experience in program management, event coordination, or a similar role.
  • Skills:
    • Very strong project management and administrative skills, include scheduling, event logistics, and supporting high-volume operations.
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
    • Experience with budgeting, basic accounting, and financial reporting.
    • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and social media platforms (Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram).
    • Ability to coordinate logistics and work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
  • Personal Qualities:
    • Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills with a collaborative approach.
    • Ability to work independently.
    • Detail-oriented with a creative and problem-solving mindset.
    • Ability to manage competing priorities and work under pressure.
  • Must be able to work with diverse constituencies and support an inclusive work environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Proficiency in a second language.
  • Experience in website management and maintenance.
  • Knowledge of human rights and public interest advocacy.
  • Experience in an academic setting or law school.

Application Instructions

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but are strongly encouraged to be submitted by August 1, 2025. Apply here.

Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter detailing your qualifications, interest in the position, and relevant experience.