Special Assistant

Special Assistant

The Center on Global Energy Policy (CGEP) at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) seeks a Special Assistant to provide a wide range of duties in support of the Center Director. Reporting to the Senior Special Assistant-Policy, the Special Assistant will work independently and with guidance to support the Director in the following areas: preparation and coordination of background briefing materials; meeting preparation and follow-up; high-level correspondence with senior level stakeholders the Center, SIPA, across the University and with the external community; and other duties as required. The Special Assistant position requires excellent interpersonal, organizational, and writing skills as well as the exercise of discretion, independent judgment, political acumen, and trusted handling of confidential information. Interest in the mission of the Center and Columbia/SIPA is key.

A particular focus for CGEP is the impact of issues of racism, environmental justice, gender equality, and inclusion in our energy system. The Center supports a culturally diverse, inclusive and equitable work environment, reflected across our staffing, leadership, scholarship and operations.

This position requires the use of independent judgment and initiative across a suite of responsibilities:

• Lead the preparation and coordination of briefing materials, background memos, and stakeholder summaries for the Director's speaking engagements, high-level events and some media appearances;
• Serve as a primary point of contact for cross-functional coordination on Director-led initiatives, including public events, private convenings, major publications, and strategic partner engagement;
• Represent the Director's Office in communication with senior internal and external stakeholders, including CGEP's leadership team, scholars, and other University officials, and industry leaders;
• Provide logistical oversight for the Director's calendar, in partnership with the Senior Administrative Manager, to ensure prioritization of time;
• Develop and manage systems for tracking all events and speaking engagements, including deliverables, follow-up, and decision-making items; ensure timely execution and close coordination across CGEP functions
• Conduct background research for articles and interviews;
• Draft correspondence and communications on behalf of the Director, including invitations, and acknowledgments;
• Serve as main point of contact for the Director's podcast, ensuring timely briefings and helping shape long-term planning, scheduling and execution;
• Maintain discretion and professionalism in managing confidential information, including personnel, fundraising, and partnership matters;
• Collaborate with the Chief of Staff to identify and implement improved systems and processes that support the effectiveness of the Director's Office;
• Stay informed on developments in global energy policy and support the Director's external engagements with context research, and perspective; Maintain and deepen their working understanding of global energy policy and players in support of the Director
• Supervise and mentor student employees supporting the Director's Office
• Travel to staff the Director at high-level events and external engagements

Minimum Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree and/or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant work experience.
• One year of experience in energy policy is preferred. Professional experience within non-profit, NGO and/or academic setting.
• Provides administrative management for highly confidential and complex items, including stakeholder meetings, report production, and coordination of logistics for special events such as high-level engagements and conferences.
• Tracks deliverables and follow-ups for the Founding Director; lifts up major priorities and decision points from assigned portfolios to the Chief of Staff and Founding Director; organize related briefings and decision-making processes as needed.
• Accuracy, strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Excellent communication, interpersonal and writing skills.
• Ability to exercise discretion and handle confidential information.
• Ability to work under pressure on competing responsibilities with resilience, discretion, and diplomacy.
• Ability to comfortably and discreetly work with senior level people from government, industry, and NGO sector.
• Capable of working on projects independently as well as working well as part of a team.
• Travel will be required with this position.