Associate Director - Human Resources

About Columbia Global

Columbia Global brings together major global initiatives from across the university to advance knowledge and foster global engagement. Those initiatives include the Columbia Global Centers, Columbia World Projects, the Committee on Global Thought, and the Institute for Ideas and Imagination. Our mission is to address complex global challenges through groundbreaking scholarly pursuits, leadership development, cutting-edge research, and projects that aim for social impact. Our long-term goal is to reimagine the university’s role in society as not only a nexus for learning and intellectual exploration but also as a catalyst for creativity and impact locally, regionally, and globally.

Position Summary

Columbia Global is seeking an experienced and dynamic Associate Director of Human Resources (ADHR) to play a pivotal role in shaping and elevating our people operations worldwide. As a key leader within the Human Resources team, the ADHR will drive strategic initiatives across the full employee lifecycle—including staff development, performance management, academic appointments, and workforce planning. This role also provides hands-on support for recruitment, onboarding, and succession planning efforts across all Columbia Global locations, including our distinguished Global Centers.

Reporting to the Director of Human Resources and Operations, the ADHR will serve as a trusted partner and primary point of contact for employee relations matters, fostering an environment where policies are not just implemented—but lived. The successful candidate will ensure that the employee experience reflects Columbia Global’s values and mission.

This is a remarkable opportunity to join a collaborative, mission-driven team working at the intersection of academia, innovation, and global engagement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee employee and labor relations across all Columbia Global locations, including international sites; serve as a trusted resource in navigating workplace matters.
• Manage academic appointment processes—facilitating onboarding, renewals, and terminations in alignment with university policies.
• Design and execute performance management initiatives, including annual reviews, merit-based increases, bonus programs, and employee recognition strategies.
• Lead, supervise, and support junior HR staff, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance feedback to ensure high-quality service delivery and professional growth.
• Recommend and implement strategies to enhance employee engagement, retention, and succession planning across a globally diverse workforce.
• Identify and coordinate targeted professional development opportunities to foster employee growth and improve organizational performance.
• Advise employees and supervisors on HR policies, conflict resolution, and practices that promote an equitable and inclusive workplace culture.
• Administer leave policies and manage workplace accommodations in compliance with Columbia University guidelines and relevant legal requirements.
• Streamline and continuously improve HR processes to ensure alignment with institutional policy and business needs.
• Accurately manage HR data entry and ensure timely execution of HR actions and transactions.
• Support recruitment efforts by collaborating on job postings, candidate reviews, and onboarding activities.
• Uphold the highest level of confidentiality in handling all HR-related information and situations.
• Take on additional HR responsibilities and projects as assigned, contributing to a collaborative and proactive team environment.

Minimum Qualifications for Grade

Bachelor’s degree required. Minimum 5-7 years related experience in human resources are required.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in international human resources, with the ability to navigate cross-cultural and global HR practices.
• Proven discretion, tact, and sound judgment in handling confidential matters and engaging with senior leadership.
• Strong project coordination skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities across domestic and international contexts.
• Deep commitment to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout Columbia Global’s operations.
• Detail-oriented team player who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Excellent customer service orientation, with exceptional verbal and written communication abilities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including demonstrated skill in data analysis, reporting, and document creation.
• Prior experience using Columbia University’s HR systems, such as PAC, TalentLink, ASR, TLAM, and ARC.
• Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and support staff development initiatives that build organizational capacity.
• Human Resources certification (PHR, SHRM-CP, SPHR, GPHR, or PHRi) strongly preferred.