Who we are:
  Columbia Global Centers | Athens is part of a network of 11 global centers of Columbia University in the City of New York, one of the world's leading academic institutions. The centers were created to drive transformative connections between the university and the world, fostering innovation, understanding, and engagement. Columbia University launched the Athens Center in November 2022 to in-country partners on issues related to Climate Change; Migration and International affairs; Business and Innovation; Classics & Ancient Studies; Arts & Culture; Global Health & Preparedness; and Medicine, among others. The Global Centers are part of the broader Columbia Global initiative, which leverages the remarkable scholarship, expertise, and resources of Columbia University to help address the world’s most complex challenges while fostering intellectual endeavors that inspire, surprise, and push the boundaries of our thinking.
 

Position Summary:
 This is an exciting opportunity to join a new and growing team and shape the operations of one of Columbia University’s newest global centers. The Athens Global Center seeks an energetic and well-experienced Finance Manager (FM) who will work closely with the Director of the Center, to build and create bridges to the Hellenic Republic’s rich and vibrant academic, social, cultural and research resources. As this is a new Global Center, the incumbent will be a part of the small start-up team that will embrace the challenge of building the Center from the ground up and tap into their entrepreneurial spirit and professional experience to launch signature-defining events and programs. The Finance Manager will be expected to provide day-to-day management of the Center’s budget, human resources, space and technological functions.

Responsibilities:
 

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the Center’s operating budgets in collaboration with program teams.
• Manages all banking relationships of the Center.
• Performs monthly international bank reconciliation processes in accordance with the Columbia Global Centers   Standard Operating Procedures.
• Monitor and ensure accurate   financial reporting, including monthly financial statements, budget vs.   actual analysis, and forecasts.
• Ensure compliance with donor financial regulations and reporting requirements.
• Oversee financial transactions, including payments, reimbursements, and payroll.
• Maintain financial records and  ensure they are organized and easily accessible for audits and reviews.
• Implement and enforce financial  policies, procedures, and controls.
• Identify and mitigate financial,   operational, and HR risks.
• Ensure compliance with local tax  laws, labor laws, and other regulatory requirements.
• Provides services in support of compliance with internal and external audits.
• Prepare and submit accurate and timely financial reports to donors and Columbia Global NY.
• Prepare regular reports for senior management on financial, operational, and HR matters.
• Assist in the development of proposals and budgets for new projects and grants.

Operations

• Manage all operating systems of the   Center, including procurement, logistics, and contract negotiations.
• Coordinate with relevant government   authorities to ensure compliance with local regulations.

Human Resources

• With support from the HR team in   headquarters (New York, USA), manage HR functions, including recruitment,   on-boarding, performance management, and staff development.
• Assists the Center with payroll   compliance in accordance with both local and international norms and   regulations.
• Support the facilitation of HR   training and capacity building for staff.
• Manage and maintain personnel   records and HR documentation.
• Support timely and confidential   resolution of HR-related inquiries and issues.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or Accounting with at least 5 to 8 years of related finance experience.

Additional Position-specific Qualifications

• Relevant experience in areas of financial management
• Relevant experience managing office operations
• Strong communications, interpersonal and organizational skills
• Strong initiative, a problem solver, and ability to establish priorities
• Ability to work under pressure, autonomously and possess good independent judgment
• Confidentiality and discretion are required
• Ability to work as a team player in a fast-paced and start-up environment
• Excellent computer skills including advanced knowledge of Excel are crucial.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced finance degree (i.e., MBA, Masters in Economics, Accounting, etc.)
• Professional qualification as a Certified Financial Accountant/Certified Public Accountant is a plus
• Fluent in Greek and English.
   

About Columbia Global Centers

Columbia Global Centers | Athens is a proud member of a network of 11 global centers under Columbia University in the City of New York, a world-renowned academic institution. Our mission is to establish transformative connections between the university and the global community, driving innovation, mutual understanding, and engagement. Announced in November 2022, the Athens Center collaborates with Greek partners on multifaceted issues such as Climate Change, Migration and International Affairs, Business and Innovation, Classics & Ancient Studies, Arts & Culture, Global Health & Preparedness, and Medicine. The Global Centers are part of the broader Columbia Global initiative, which leverages the remarkable scholarship, expertise, and resources of Columbia University to help address the world’s most complex challenges while fostering intellectual endeavors that inspire, surprise, and push the boundaries of our thinking.

Position Summary

Join us at the forefront of academic innovation and play a pivotal role in shaping the operations of one of Columbia's newest global centers. The Program Officer is instrumental in orchestrating the design, execution, and assessment of scholarly programs that resonate with our mission. This position covers diverse responsibilities, ranging from program creation to stakeholder engagement and fundraising initiatives. The Officer will liaise closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure the effective and efficient realization of the center’s program goals.

Responsibilities

Program Development and Implementation

• Support the planning and implementation of programs in accordance with the objectives of Athens Global Center.
• Identify areas of collaboration with Greek and European partners in relation to the Athens Center thematic foci and contribute to project development.
• Coordinate with Columbia Global and the larger University to arrange seamless program plans from start to finish.
• Ensure programs are executed to high standards and meet all predetermined objectives and goals.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Coordinate with the monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) team in New York to monitor program activities.
• Manage and analyze relevant data for tracking and reporting.
• Coordinate and support evaluations of program effectiveness.
• Prepare comprehensive reports on program activities, outcomes, and impact.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain effective communication with all relevant stakeholders, including beneficiaries, partners, and donors.
• Represent the Athens Global Center at various fora, interacting with community members, NGOs, government officials, and other stakeholders.
• Disseminate program insights and findings through diverse platforms, including social media and print materials.

Communications

• Collaborate with the Communications team in New York to develop and implement communication plans to promote the visibility and impact of the center.
• Create and manage content, including newsletters, press releases, and promotional materials, including for fundraising.
• Coordinate with the media to highlight the organization’s impact and program success.

Fundraising and Proposal Development

• Identify funding opportunities and contribute to the development of grant proposals.
• Assist in developing fundraising strategies and cultivating relationships with potential donors and partners.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required with at least 3 to 5 years of relevant professional experience in program development, management, implementation and communications.

Additional Position-specific Qualifications

• Experience with the higher education sector or international academic collaborations.
• Experience conducting research, especially if related to the thematic areas of the center.
• Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
• Demonstrated resilience and adaptability in challenging situations.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Confidentiality and discretion are required.
• Ability to work as a team player in a fast-paced and start-up environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (i.e., MBA, Public Administration, etc.)
• Fluent in Greek and English.