Columbia Global Center | Athens: Program Officer
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About Columbia Global Centers
Columbia Global Centers | Athens is a proud member of a network of 11 global centers under Columbia University in the City of New York, a world-renowned academic institution. Our mission is to establish transformative connections between the university and the global community, driving innovation, mutual understanding, and engagement. Announced in November 2022, the Athens Center collaborates with Greek partners on multifaceted issues such as Climate Change, Migration and International Affairs, Business and Innovation, Classics & Ancient Studies, Arts & Culture, Global Health & Preparedness, and Medicine. The Global Centers are part of the broader Columbia Global initiative, which leverages the remarkable scholarship, expertise, and resources of Columbia University to help address the world’s most complex challenges while fostering intellectual endeavors that inspire, surprise, and push the boundaries of our thinking.
Position Summary
Join us at the forefront of academic innovation and play a pivotal role in shaping the operations of one of Columbia’s newest global centers. The Program Officer is instrumental in orchestrating the design, execution, and assessment of scholarly programs that resonate with our mission. This position covers diverse responsibilities, ranging from program creation to stakeholder engagement and fundraising initiatives. The Officer will liaise closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure the effective and efficient realization of the center’s program goals.
Responsibilities
Program Development and Implementation
- Support the planning and implementation of programs in accordance with the objectives of Athens Global Center.
- Identify areas of collaboration with Greek and European partners in relation to the Athens Center thematic foci and contribute to project development.
- Coordinate with Columbia Global and the larger University to arrange seamless program plans from start to finish.
- Ensure programs are executed to high standards and meet all predetermined objectives and goals.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
- Coordinate with the monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) team in New York to monitor program activities.
- Manage and analyze relevant data for tracking and reporting.
- Coordinate and support evaluations of program effectiveness.
- Prepare comprehensive reports on program activities, outcomes, and impact.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Maintain effective communication with all relevant stakeholders, including beneficiaries, partners, and donors.
- Represent the Athens Global Center at various fora, interacting with community members, NGOs, government officials, and other stakeholders.
- Disseminate program insights and findings through diverse platforms, including social media and print materials.
Communications
- Collaborate with the Communications team in New York to develop and implement communication plans to promote the visibility and impact of the center.
- Create and manage content, including newsletters, press releases, and promotional materials, including for fundraising.
- Coordinate with the media to highlight the organization’s impact and program success.
Fundraising and Proposal Development
- Identify funding opportunities and contribute to the development of grant proposals.
- Assist in developing fundraising strategies and cultivating relationships with potential donors and partners.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required with at least 3 to 5 years of relevant professional experience in program development, management, implementation and communications.
Additional Position-specific Qualifications
- Experience with the higher education sector or international academic collaborations.
- Experience conducting research, especially if related to the thematic areas of the center.
- Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
- Demonstrated resilience and adaptability in challenging situations.
- Critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Confidentiality and discretion are required.
- Ability to work as a team player in a fast-paced and start-up environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree (i.e., MBA, Public Administration, etc.)
- Fluent in Greek and English.
