Assistant Director, Undergraduate Travel Safety

Position Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director, the incumbent will work to implement, manage, and refine the integrated undergraduate international travel policy and registration process for students in Columbia College, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the School of General Studies. This position may also support students from other Columbia academic units as well as those students visiting from other institutions. The incumbent will triage international travel applications for school sponsorship according to parameters approved by the Undergraduate Travel Review Committee and identify those requiring further action by the committee. In addition, the incumbent will staff the Undergraduate Travel Review Committee and research and handle follow up issues identified by the committee for review and further action. The incumbent will also take the lead to develop emergency protocols and policies for global engagement programs.

Responsibilities

• Manage the implementation and administration of the undergraduate international travel policy involving students; including, but not limited to those from Columbia College, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the School of General Studies. Oversee registration of travel in the online travel database including data entry, individual and program registration, and data reporting.

  • Draft and prepare materials to support the undergraduate international travel registration process. Serve as the first point of contact regarding inquiries about the policy and process. Meet with relevant audiences to inform them about the process and suggest enhancements or modifications as needed. Develop and maintain the travel safety components for the undergraduate travel website.

  • Triage applications for school sponsorship identifying those that can be approved based on parameters provided by the Undergraduate Travel Review Committee and those which need to be flagged for committee review.

  • Build and maintain relationships with the program leads in school offices that sponsor or coordinate international travel to coordinate and deliver services and information needed to support the undergraduate international travel registration process. This includes but is not limited to, sharing lists of undergraduate travelers, maintaining data and contact information about travelers, establishing best practices and implementing communications with travelers, and creating and delivering standardized pre-departure training/orientation for student travelers focused on enhancing safety and security awareness, accountability, and risk mitigation.

  • Stay abreast of emerging trends including travel alerts and warnings in countries where undergraduate travel may be taking place or planned. Respond to University travel safety alerts and help account for impacted travelers. Contribute to crisis response and contingency planning.

  • Staff the Undergraduate Travel Review Committee meetings. Schedule committee meetings and prepare meeting materials. Provide the necessary support to follow up on issues identified by the Committee.

• Provide support for the safety and security review of sites, locations, and programs in which Columbia has global engagement opportunities.  Research and develop safety and security standards, ensure implementation and compliance of standards across portfolio (refine as needed).  Work closely with UGE team, program faculty and on-site personnel to ensure accommodations, facilities, and other program elements meet safety and security standards.

• Lead the effort in developing, implementing, and refining the emergency response policy and protocols for Columbia undergraduate global engagement and programs. Ensuring that units within the College have a minimum standard of emergency response policy and protocol in place.

• Other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and/or its equivalent required.

• At least 2 years of professional experience in higher education, non-profit, or other related field.

• Strong verbal and written communications skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills, demonstrated ability to influence and work with all levels and types of people.

• Visual communication skills and ability to present information clearly to diverse audiences/stakeholders.

• Proven ability to effectively organize and manage multiple projects.

• Ability to spot issues and adjust decision making as necessary.

• Strong skills in the Microsoft Office suite and Google Workspace.

     *Applications received without a resume and cover letter will not be considered.**

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with international travel tracking software application, such as Terra Dotta or ISOS.

• Familiarity with website and database design.

• Experience in risk management, international education, or international programs office.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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