Position Summary

The Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO) of Columbia University located in Palisades, New York, is seeking an Assistant Director of Academic Affairs and Diversity for a full-time opportunity. Reporting to the Deputy Director is responsible for the design and implementation of LDEO's policies, programs and initiatives that support the development and diversity of the Observatory's staff. This position will initiate, manage and promote policy changes, programs and events that support the recruitment, retention, and advancement of Observatory staff with special emphasis on implementation of the Observatory’s Plan for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The incumbent will manage the activities relating to academic affairs and diversity, including managing transactions for hiring, firing and promotion of Officers of Research. In this capacity they will work extensively with HR and the Provost’s Office.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Academic Affairs Officer for LDEO.  Manage academic appointments and promotions for research staff in order to substantiate compliance with Columbia University policies and best practices. Responsible for the day to day tasks associated with academic appointments, including the generation of appointment and renewal letters for the Observatory’s scientific staff; and other letters and memos pertaining to academic appointments, including communication with the Provost’s Office, as appropriate. Advise the scientific staff, various standing committees, and Observatory leadership on academic appointments, university policy, and the appropriate courses of action as necessary. A key component of this duty is tracking the process to ensure timely completion of promotions, particularly those with a “time clock”, and coordinating review meetings and votes.    
• Serve as key diversity officer for LDEO.  Support the LDEO Director, Associate Director for DEI, and the DEI standing committee to move Lamont forward in its effort to become a more equitable, diverse, anti-racist and inclusive organization. Work within the LDEO Directorate and with senior research management to develop, implement, manage, and continuously improve or enhance Observatory policies and procedures with emphasis on increasing the representation of under-represented minorities and maintaining a respectful work environment for all staff. 
• Serve as the LDEO Title IX Liaison. Work with EOAA when necessary to address misconduct cases.
• Oversee the review processes hiring and performance reviews for the Lamont Research Professor (LRP) and Research Scientist (RS) tracks. Assists with the recruitment of professional Officers of Research; attends academic search committees as needed, informing participants and monitoring      processes to ensure implementation of DEI objectives. Manages the LRP promotion and search-related processes and advises divisional Associate Directors about results. Prepares correspondence, letters, dossiers, and memos pertaining to academic affairs for Directorate approval and distribution.        
• Develops and oversees appropriate application of the LDEO Code of Conduct.  Keeps abreast of Code of Conduct best practices and related developments across and outside the university. Advises Directorate on changes to and implementation of the LDEO Code of Conduct.
• Updates the LRP Handbook and the RS Handbook, as appropriate, and informs and advises scientific staff on matters pertaining to these academic tracks. Coordinates and ensures implementation of LRP, RS, postdoctoral scientist mentoring plans.  
• Other duties as assigned, including creation and presentation of DEI training and workshops.
• Receives broad policies and direction from the Deputy Director.  Exercises high degree of independent judgment and initiative. Works with Directorate and LDEO HR on activities related to the position. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 4-6 years of related experience in higher education required. Advance degree desirable but not required. 
• Must possess related work experience in faculty development and diversity programming in academic environments.  

Other Requirements

• Excellent communication skills required. 
• Must possess strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with all levels of faculty, staff and administrators across departments. 
• Adherence to strict confidentiality guidelines required by many tasks. 
• Demonstrated time management skills, proficiency with computer scheduling and documentation systems, as well as the ability to organize events and materials required.      

Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer - Race / Gender / Disability / Veteran

The Lamont campus values diversity and inclusion, and welcomes applications from members of underrepresented minority groups.

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