Education Support Specialist I
Job Description
- Job Type: Officer of Administration
- Bargaining Unit:
- Regular/Temporary: Regular
- End Date if Temporary:
- Hours Per Week: 35
- Standard Work Schedule:
- Building:
- Salary Range: $66,300 - $66,300
Position Summary
The Office of Student Affairs within Medical Education at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S) supports the academic, advising, and administrative needs of medical students.
The Education Support Specialist I provides foundational administrative and programmatic support to the Student Affairs team at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S). The role is responsible for coordinating logistics for milestone events, managing day-to-day student service processes, and providing timely support across communications, documentation, and student lifecycle transitions.
Responsibilities
Student Services Coordination and Support:
- Coordinate basic logistical needs for high-touch student events such as Orientation, Match Day, and Graduation
- Assist with ongoing student programs and initiatives, including community-building activities, town halls, and student wellness campaigns.
- Provide administrative support for academic lifecycle tasks such as student leave documentation and reentry checklists, under the guidance of senior staff.
- Provide administrative support to programs such as the Student Leader Training Program and Medical Spanish Elective, including flyer prep and participant tracking.
- Assist in gathering documentation for students participating in international programs or summer research experiences.
- Maintain the accuracy of CourseWorks student resource pages and shared event calendars.
Data Management and Reporting:
- Track and organize student service inquiries using internal systems.
- Enter and update information related to status changes, event participation, or enrollment transitions.
- Support survey dissemination, basic data entry, and maintenance of student status spreadsheets.
Operational and Financial Support:
- Submit facilities and IT requests; track office supplies and restock as needed.
- Assist with documentation for student reimbursements, supply orders, and event purchases.
- Support documentation processes related to global travel or stipend paperwork under guidance.
People:
- Serve as the initial point of contact for all students, staff, faculty, and external visitors to the Student Affairs Office, providing prompt and professional assistance.
- Respond to inquiries by phone, email, or in person, offering accurate information or directing individuals to appropriate resources.
- Escalate urgent issues or student concerns to appropriate Student Affairs leadership when needed.
- Promote a culture of service and warmth within the Student Affairs team, maintaining discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive student matters.
Other Duties:
- Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance support skills and knowledge.
- Perform other duties as assigned by leadership.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent in education and experience required
Preferred Qualifications
- Ability to successfully prioritize multiple responsibilities and projects.
- Strong sense of teamwork including the ability to establish and maintain strong relationships.
- Familiarity with, or willingness to learn, learning management systems and academic databases, assessment and central scheduling platforms.
Other Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree. The equivalent in education, training, and professional experience can be substituted for the degree requirement.
- Experience in providing basic student support or assisting with program coordination.
- Strong interpersonal, writing, and communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word and Excel.
- Basic organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks under supervision.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.