- Job Type: Officer of Administration
- Bargaining Unit:
- Regular/Temporary: Regular
- End Date if Temporary:
- Hours Per Week: 35
- Standard Work Schedule:
- Building:
- Salary Range: 170,000-190,000
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Position Summary:
Reporting to the Vice Dean of Administration, the Executive Director of Human Resources & Talent Management provides strategic and operational leadership for all talent and human resources functions supporting Columbia School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) administrative and faculty populations. The Executive Director oversees a team of HR professionals and serves as the School’s most senior HR executive, responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive talent strategy aligned with SIPA’s mission, culture, and long-term vision.
This individual will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team, and University partners to create an inclusive, high-performing work environment that attracts, develops, and retains top-tier administrative professionals and faculty. The Executive Director is a trusted advisor, thought partner, and key member of the School’s leadership, driving innovation in talent acquisition, organizational design, employee engagement, and workforce planning.
Responsibilities:
Strategic & Team Leadership:
Leads, mentors, and supports a high-performing HR team across recruitment, employee relations, HR operations, and academic personnel, fostering a culture of accountability, development, and service excellence.
Develops and implements a comprehensive, school-wide human capital strategy aligned with SIPA’s mission, values, and long-term vision.
Promotes a cohesive, inclusive, and innovative culture across the HR function and broader institution, ensuring alignment with SIPA’s strategic priorities and continuous improvement in HR practices.
Represents SIPA in University-wide HR initiatives and collaborates with partners including Central HR, OGC, Labor Relations, and peer schools.
Talent Management & Employee Relations:
Designs and leads initiatives across the employee life cycle, including performance management, career pathing, employee engagement, and succession planning.
Designs, develops and manages a comprehensive suite of staff learning and development programs at all levels, from onboarding through leadership development. Oversees the creation and delivery of targeted programs including foundational skills training, management essentials, inclusive leadership, and change management.
Oversees employee relations and labor relations, including management coaching, conflict resolution, policy guidance, and disciplinary processes. Partners closely with Central HR, OGC, and Labor Relations on complex matters to foster a respectful, compliant and high-performing work environment
Operations & Organizational Effectiveness:
Financial & Data Management:
Manages HR-related budgeting and collaborates with Finance on fiscal planning, workforce cost projections, and headcount analysis.
Collaborates with Data Analytics to develop and maintain HR dashboards and reporting systems that provide insight into hiring, retention, engagement, learning & development, and compensation trends. Leverages data to assess effectiveness of talent initiatives.
Minimum Qualification
Deep understanding of HR disciplines including employee relations, recruitment, learning and development, compensation, and labor law compliance. Familiarity with collective bargaining environments and union relations.
Preferred Qualifications
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.
