Associate Director Of Academic Administration

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $80,000 - $85,000

Position Summary

The Sakip Sabanci Center for Turkish Studies was established in 2016, and its goal is to increase knowledge and awareness of Turkey through research, teaching, and intellectual exchange. The Center also supports research and academic collaboration at Sabanci University in Istanbul.

The Associate Director of Academic Administration reports directly to the Director and oversees a broad range of Academic and administrative functions within the Center. This role encompasses the planning and formulation of the Center's annual budget, as well as diligent monitoring of expenditures, account reconciliation, and financial reporting. The Associate Director is authorized to approve both regular and occasional financial disbursements. Additionally, the position entails managing all aspects of human resources, including recruitment, onboarding, and payroll operations, alongside other related administrative responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Plans and formulates the Center's annual budget with the Director, monitors expenditures, reconciles accounts, and prepares financial reports; also has signatory authority for disbursements.
• Oversees grant and fellowship administration, ensuring compliance with the Department of Education Title VI grant and other funding terms, and acts as a liaison with faculty for funded programs; additionally, researches and writes funding proposals.
• Manages all endowment funds and current use gifts, providing annual reports to donors on the status of these financial resources.
• Represents the Center in school-wide and university-wide committees, meetings, and caucuses, ensuring that policies, programs, and initiatives are effectively implemented.
• Coordinates the activities of the Center's executive, administrative, and advisory committees, prepares strategy papers and reports for committee and board members, and liaises with the university's development office to maintain relations with Advisory Board members.
• Prepares reports for the University Trustees, city and state agencies, and other organizations as required.
• Oversees the planning and administration of all conferences, lecture series, and coordinates outreach activities and events for the general public.
• Manages the Center's student fellowship programs, including competitions for summer research grants, postdoctoral fellowships, and dissertation write-up support.
• Organizes meetings of the Executive and Advisory Committees, takes notes, and prepares minutes; also implements decisions made by the Executive Committee under the Director's guidance.
• Oversees the terms and implementation of faculty exchange agreements with Sabanci University and potentially other universities.
• Keeps track of new publications in the field of Turkish Studies and reports significant findings to the Director.
• Advises faculty and staff on academic and administrative policies and procedures.
• Oversees the preparation of affirmative action and appointment paperwork for the Center's research and administrative employees.
• Manages the Center's publications, such as brochures, posters, and newsletters; updates and edits content on the Center's website and social media channels; and handles the Center's public relations and external communications.
• Leads efforts in the annual visiting professorship search and recruitment.
• Coordinates with the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) to facilitate VISA and paperwork for foreign visitors.
• Manages the physical infrastructure and equipment needs of the Center.
• Recruits, hires, and supervises program assistants and work-study students.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• 4 years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Turkish studies or experience in Turkish academia.
• Proficiency in Turkish language is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of Columbia University accounting system or similar system.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Personnel management skills.
• Communication skills.
• Budget and project management skills.