Director of Operations & Partnerships, Data Science Institute, Strategic Alliances

The Data Science Institute (DSI) at Columbia University is a world-leading research and education institute advancing the field of data science and artificial intelligence (AI.) Our mission is to harness the power of data science and AI to drive positive change in society. Through pioneering research and education, we develop cutting-edge solutions and prepare responsible innovators to tackle urgent challenges. By bringing together Columbia’s diverse academic expertise with its advanced data science and AI capabilities, DSI leads interdisciplinary collaboration and cultivates high-impact partnerships across academia, industry, and the public sector. Guided by the principle of Data for Good, we translate data insights into real-world applications that enhance societal well-being and promote sustainable progress. The Data Science Institute is seeking an Director of Operations and Partnerships on the Strategic Alliances team to lead the internal operations, relationship management, and client services functions, and day to day team management. This role is central to ensuring that DSI's industry partnerships run smoothly, scale sustainably, and deliver mutual value for academic and industry stakeholders alike. This is a hybrid operational and relationship-management role: part internal team leader, part external-facing partnership manager, and part bridge between DSI faculty and industry partners. The successful candidate will bring structure and rigor to day-to-day operations while also directly stewarding key partner relationships, and training and building a client relations team. Responsibilities Internal Operations and Team Leadership Oversee day-to-day operations of the Strategic Alliances team, ensuring internal workflows, processes, and team coordination run smoothly Align cross-functional teams and manage joint business operations, including coordination on Capstones, marketing, communications, and events Serve as manager in charge for Client Relations Services team output and relationship stewardship; directly manage the Program Coordinator, Client Relations Specialist and the Associate Director for business development. Surface operational gaps and recommend process improvements as the team scales Maintain partnership documentation, timelines, deliverables, and reporting across active engagements; must have experience with CRMs Faculty Partnership Management Proactively engage DSI faculty as new alliance opportunities emerge, facilitating introductions and surfacing relevant research interests to potential partners Maintain a working understanding of DSI research strengths and industry priorities to improve partner matching and stewardship Manage and maintain Capstone relationships with industry partners, serving as the primary point of contact and ensuring program continuity, and acting as the bridge between academic leads and external industry partners Business Development & Client Services Actively engage prospective members with opportunities to connect with Columbia DSI Manage portfolio growth opportunities by identifying paths to build on existing relationships as well as support client relations specialists in their portfolio management Create research summaries and use cases that align DSI's research work with industry needs; maintain current knowledge of the DSI research portfolio and industry challenges Develop business cases by tracking and identifying partnership value to demonstrate the value of academic engagements Execute client relations specialist functions as needed —relationship tracking, meeting coordination, partner communications Represent the Institute at industry conferences, networking events, and in discussions with potential partners Work closely across the organization to ensure alignment between the team and the broader Institute Ensure integrity of industry data within the CRM Minimum Qualifications Minimum of 5-7 years directly relevant experience, with at least three years of management experience Politically savvy, skilled at executive stakeholder management Project management Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents. #J-18808-Ljbffr Columbia University in the City of New York