Assistant Director, Admission Evaluation

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 Senior Associate Director of Admission Evaluation, the Assistant Director supports the evaluation and decision-making process across all MBA admission cycles. The incumbent plays a key role in the day-to-day management of the application review process and collaborates with colleagues to ensure consistent, fair, and efficient evaluation practices. The Assistant Director contributes to achieving enrollment goals by helping to attract and admit a high-caliber, diverse student body that reflects the School's values and academic standards.

About Columbia Business School

For over a century, Columbia Business School (CBS) has helped develop leaders and builders of enterprises who drive value for their stakeholders and society at large through our MBA, MS, PhD, and Executive Education programs. We are equally committed to cultivating new scholars and teachers and to creating and disseminating pathbreaking knowledge, concepts, and tools that advance the understanding and practice of management through our faculty research and PhD programs. Our vision is simple : to develop ideas and leaders that transform the world, from the very center of business.

Our ever-evolving curriculum, featuring pioneering courses, STEM certification, and immersive experiential learning, prepares students to excel in key areas such as digital transformation, entrepreneurship, innovation, twenty-first-century finance, the intersection of business and society, and climate and sustainability. The CBS administration enables CBS's educational and scholarly mission through strategic and operational guidance and support, optimizing School resources through well-designed, transparent processes with a culture of respect for all.

Responsibilities

Application Review & Evaluation

Reads and evaluates applications for all MBA, Deferred Enrollment, and joint-degree programs.

Conducts applicant interviews and provides recommendations for admission decisions.

Contributes to the waitlist management process.

Reviews application files to verify completeness and confirm eligibility based on program requirements.

Training & Process Support

Provides input on evaluation process improvements, including essay and interview updates, and supports the implementation of changes.

Tracks and documents procedural updates, creating reference guides and process documentation to support ongoing team learning and operational continuity.

Operational Coordination & Team Collaboration

Coordinates and schedules applicant interviews, tracks interview-related materials, assigns and manages application reviews. In partnership with the Admissions leadership team, assist with scheduling the full-time Admissions Officers for interviews.

Supports management of auxiliary readers and provides guidance to seasonal admissions staff as needed

Communication and Outreach

Communicates with applicants throughout the admissions process regarding application or application-related topics.

Manages interview-related inquiries from over 450 Alumni Ambassadors, 50 current students, and applicants.

Assists in refining application communications to ensure that applicants have the information needed to complete their application and ensure a smooth experience for applicants.

Participates in occasional travel (domestic and international) to support recruitment and outreach efforts aligned with the School's admissions goals.

Other Duties

• Performs other relevant responsibilities as assigned to support the Admissions team's goals and evaluative needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of 2-4 years of related professional experience required, preferably in higher education. Knowledge of Admissions processes strongly preferred.
• Must have a demonstrated commitment to customer service and the ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and excel in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Ability to balance independent delivery of work with collaborative orientation.
• Candidate must possess strong skills in communication (verbal and written), diplomacy, tact, discretion, and outstanding interpersonal / relationship management.
• Knowledge of, and experience using, technology and tools, including MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with Slate and / or CRM tools a plus.
• Basic data analytics capability.
• Must live within commuting distance to New York City and have the ability to work in person in a hybrid work environment.
• Ability to travel (domestic and international) and work select evenings and weekends as required.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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