Online MS Program Assistant

Online MS Program Assistant

The Online MS Program Assistant provides administrative, programmatic, and operational support for the online Master of Science in Human Nutrition program. Prior to launch, the Program Assistant will support the design, development, and implementation of the program, including curriculum coordination, online course development, learning management system preparation, faculty support, and launch readiness activities. Following launch, the position will focus on student and faculty communications, online learning support, virtual event coordination, student engagement, and direct administrative support to the MS Program Director. The Program Assistant will play an important role in creating a welcoming, accessible, and engaging online experience while supporting the program's daily operations and continued development. Approximately 85% of the position supports the online MS program, with the remaining 15% dedicated to Institute-wide educational programs, events, and community nutrition initiatives.

Responsibilities

Support program leadership, faculty, instructional designers, and University partners in planning, developing, and launching the online MS program. Maintain development timelines, project plans, deliverables, launch-readiness checklists, and documentation of program decisions and workflows. Coordinate the collection, organization, and review of syllabi, learning objectives, assessments, readings, multimedia materials, and other course content. Support faculty and instructional-design partners with course development, learning-management-system configuration, and production of recorded lectures and digital materials. Review course sites and materials for accuracy, consistency, functionality, and accessibility, and assist with orientation materials, faculty training, pilot testing, and launch preparation.

Serve as a primary point of contact for online students, faculty, course directors, and guest lecturers. Coordinate clear and timely communications regarding courses, events, deadlines, schedules, technology requirements, and program announcements. Respond to routine inquiries, maintain communication resources and templates, and connect students with appropriate faculty, technical support, or University services.

Provide administrative and programmatic support to the MS Program Director, including calendar management, meeting coordination, and virtual meeting logistics. Prepare correspondence, agendas, presentations, reports, and meeting materials; track action items and support special projects. Assist with reviewing and maintaining student handbooks, course materials, policies, program documentation, and assessment data. Support admissions, recruitment, and yield activities, including virtual information sessions, webinars, and admitted-student programs.

Support the daily administration of the online learning environment, ensuring that course sites, materials, assignments, and virtual meeting links are available as scheduled. Coordinate with faculty, instructional designers, and technical-support partners to identify and resolve routine course-delivery issues. Maintain program calendars, course schedules, faculty information, student rosters, records, and deadline reminders. Test digital resources and support compliance with University policies related to accessibility, student privacy, records management, and online education.

Assist with Institute-wide virtual, hybrid, and in-person educational programs, faculty lectures, retreats, and special events. Support community nutrition outreach, public-engagement activities, educational materials, and other administrative or programmatic needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in education and experience required
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in nutrition or a related field.
• Experience in higher education or academic administration.
• Experience coordinating meetings or events.
• Interest in nutrition, health sciences, or higher education.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.