There are currently eight Columbia Global Centers operating in Amman, Beijing, Mumbai, Paris, Istanbul, Nairobi, Santiago, and Rio de Janeiro. Each center is supported by and works closely with Columbia University in the City of New York. Each Center is attuned to the priorities and unique circumstances of its host region, and strives to leverage the University’s and local stakeholders’ diverse intellectual capacities to engage in scholarly activities of global concern. The centers help increase international content in the classroom; provide opportunities for international study abroad and internship opportunities; facilitate research opportunities for Columbia students and faculty on globally relevant, interdisciplinary topics; and provide a point of ongoing engagement for international alumni.
Functioning as a network, the global centers encourage teaching and research that require working across disciplinary boundaries, having a presence in multiple regions, and engaging non-Columbia experts and scholars from those regions. Some of the centers’ programs and research initiatives are country-specific, some regional, and an increasing number are multi-regional, even global. The network is in its infancy, and each center has started by building strong links with universities and institutions in its respective region. The long-term ambition is that many programs will have a global reach and involve multiple centers in the network engaged in truly global conversations
Center Director Job Description
Reporting to the Executive Vice President (EVP) for Global Centers and Global Development, the Director promotes and supports the EVP in expanding Columbia University’s mission as a global university. The director would be an institutional entrepreneur who will be charged with crafting and executing a strategy as well as expanding and strengthening the Nairobi Center. S/he will collaborate with a Faculty Steering Committee and serve as an anchor facilitating research opportunities on globally relevant interdisciplinary topics, and opportunities for learning and internships for Columbia students, as well as providing a point of ongoing engagement for international alumni. The individual will work in tandem with the entire global center network, including the other seven Columbia Global Centers’ Directors, building new relationships and hosting visits on numerous initiatives. The individual will form close working relationships with the Nairobi Advisory Board to create a special resource for Columbia, the purpose of which is to support the faculty in their commitment to research.
The role is based in Nairobi. Specific duties include;
Entrepreneurial Leadership
· Provide strategic and administrative leadership to the Center and serve as a liaison to academic divisions, professional schools, and administrative units of Columbia University;
· Work with other Columbia Global Centers Directors to share and establish best practices and policies across sub-Saharan Africa;
· Create opportunities for fundraising, business development, and conceptual selling.
Build Relationships (Internal/External)
· Establish strong and fruitful relationships with key business, academic, and government leaders within the region to facilitate faculty research and joint initiatives in the region;
· Establish relationships with faculty and alumni advisory groups, key administrative partners, and with other Center Directors;
Operations Management
· Manage the office, including daily operations, staff development, budget, technology, and space as well as assist with seeking grants funding for research and programs.
· Enhance and implement relevant policies and procedures, including finance, accounting, registrar, bursar, IT and human resources, and oversee ongoing operations.
Facilitate Research/Communication/Events
· Create new programs and foster collaborative programming;
· Develop a comprehensive communications strategy for the work of the Center;
· Communicate the work and resources of the Center across the region with visits, web presence, promotional events and materials aimed at increasing visibility of the Center.
· Manage and host visiting scholars and faculty, research fellows, staff and employees of other Centers, etc.;
Other Responsibilities
· Perform other responsibilities and manage special projects as necessary.
Minimum Qualifications
· Advanced academic degree and training. At least seven years related experience with and knowledge of a large university system in the US, preferably Columbia University, in program development and financial management.
Additional Qualifications
· A strong interest in regional culture and society, including the humanities, sciences, government, and professions (legal, medical, business, social service, etc.);
· A deep and broad network in academic, government, and business communities in Sub-Saharan Africa is preferred;
· Self-motivated and creative problem solving skills;
· Strategic thinker and financially literate;
· An appreciation of Columbia University and the impact of its research and education;
· An ability to multitask effectively;
· Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills; and
· Fluency in English.
Preferred Qualifications
· Proven ability to successfully interact and collaborate with varied constituencies in a professional manner, with experience in customer relationship management at a C-suite level;
· Prior experience living and/or working in Kenya with a familiarity with Nairobi and the sub-Saharan African region, with experience in building, leading and managing diverse, geographically dispersed teams;
· Proven record at fundraising, business development and conceptual selling
· Excellent written and oral communication skills and at demonstrating tact and diplomacy working with a wide variety of personalities and cultures;
· Computer proficiency (including Excel and Access) with expert knowledge of the Windows environment.
HOW TO APPLY:
