Position Summary

We are seeking an entrepreneurial Program Manager (PM) with direct experience in the sustainable development space and an interest in social entrepreneurship models to launch a newly funded fellowship program. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to become an integral part of a dynamic team dedicated to the operations of the Columbia University Global Center in Beijing, China. The position requires extensive project management experience in climate and sustainable development, as well as exceptional organizational, coordination, and leadership skills. The ideal candidate must be able to effectively plan, manage, and execute executive education and capacity-building projects; ensure rigorous quality control over course content and learning processes; and oversee participant recruitment, resource coordination, and budget management. Preference will be given to candidates with successful experience in environmental conservation, social equity, and economic viability projects.

The PM will report directly to the Deputy Director of the Beijing Global Center. The incumbent will play a pivotal role in designing and building the fellowship for Sustainable Development and in growing the center’s work in the sustainable development field. The PM will engage and closely collaborate with internal teams and external partners (domestic and international), fostering effective communication and coordination to ensure that program goals are met efficiently and effectively.

Project Background

The Beijing Global Center is launching a new fellowship program that aims to support exceptional philanthropists and social entrepreneurs from China, each year, who are dedicated to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. China is a pivotal country in global debates regarding climate change and has emerged in recent years as a critical leader in sustainable development and mitigation efforts. In the face of an escalating climate crisis and pressing sustainable development challenges, it is imperative to empower visionary individuals who are driving impactful change.

This fellowship program, undertaken in close collaboration with Columbia Global at Columbia University and external partners, would identify, nurture, and elevate approximately eight (8) social entrepreneurs and leaders each year in the climate space. Key actions will be to create a robust cohort and alumni network; provide opportunities for connection with innovative philanthropies; provide space for mutual learning and growth from the wider philanthropic and social entrepreneurship space, and from the full range of resources at Columbia University; and ensure sustained networking and collaboration beyond participation in the fellowship program. With these strengthened networks, knowledge, and skills, we expect these innovative individuals to be positioned to scale their organizations’ initiatives and create lasting positive change.

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Development

• Provide intellectual vision and leadership for the fellowship program, working with key stakeholders and counterparts.
• Establish comprehensive project work plans, timelines, and critical milestones; develop internal deadlines and deliverables.
• Develop a comprehensive recruitment plan and selection strategy to attract top talent from diverse backgrounds to build a strong cohort identity and team spirit.
• Design strategies to engage alumni of the program, creating a strong network and support system for current and future program participants.
• Develop onboarding and offboarding programs to ensure each participant is fully oriented to the program and to facilitate smooth transitions for participants at various stages of their program involvement.
• Collaborate with US-based teams to design activities and develop initiatives that align with fellowship program goals and enhance participant’s experience.

Program Implementation and Management

• Facilitate planning meetings, document meeting discussions, and present clear action items and next steps to team members.
• Spearhead and manage the delivery of all fellowship programs and activities, in particular training, virtual, in-person, and alumni events.
• Engage and identify program mentors from Columbia University's Chinese alumni networks to provide guidance and support to program participants.
• Oversee logistical support for travel arrangements, ensuring a cohesive and engaging experience for all involved.
• Coordinate the development and editing of annual, quarterly, and/or monthly program and progress reports.
• Collect and analyze data, ensuring the maintenance of up-to-date information.
• Organize and facilitate project reviews and “lessons learned” sessions to enhance institutional knowledge about project management best practices, as well as specific funding programs, enhancing ongoing competitiveness and decision-making.
• Collaborate with other Beijing Global Center staff contributing to the project (communications, administration, finance, etc.).
• Oversee the design and dissemination of promotional materials to inform potential applicants.
• Maintain engagement with existing partners while developing new relationships to provide valuable resources and insights.
• Conduct environmental scans and needs assessments, write concept notes, and develop other materials to enhance project sustainability.

Financial Coordination

• Engage and work with relevant finance offices to ensure the proper financial setup and budget management of projects.

Other

• New project development in the sustainable development/social entrepreneurship space, including environmental scanning, concept note development, identifying/cultivating new partners, etc.
• Support other activities that are relevant to the program as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required with at least 4 to 8 years of relevant professional experience in program development, management, implementation, sustainable development, and/or social entrepreneurship.

Competencies

• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent project management skills, including executing technical and operational project activities.
• Ability to create effective promotion plans and materials and familiarity with social media platforms.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international multi-cultural environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external partners.
• Experience collaborating with multi-sector stakeholders such as faculty, government, foundations, and nonprofits.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (i.e., MBA, NGO Philanthropy management, etc.).
• Experience in social impact work, international development, and/or higher education is a plus.

How to Apply

To apply for this job, please send your CV and cover letter in an email with the subject line "Name – Program Manager Position" to beijing.cgc@columbia.edu by 11:59 PM (Beijing Time) on December 20, 2024.

After reviewing applications, the Global Center staff will arrange interviews with competitive candidates. Please note that applications will be processed in the order they are received, with early applicants given priority for interviews. This position will be based in the Columbia Global Center Beijing.