Program Lead

Organisation: COLUMBIA GLOBAL OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

Job Title: PROGRAM LEAD

Reports to: DIRECTOR, COLUMBIA GLOBAL CENTER MUMBAI

Location: COLUMBIA GLOBAL CENTERS | MUMBAI

About Columbia Global Center | Mumbai:

Columbia Global Centers, Mumbai 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 serve as knowledge hubs that aim to educate and inspire through research, dialogue, and action. They advance understanding, facilitate partnerships, and build the bridges necessary to tackle our changing world.

Read more about Columbia Global of Columbia University work at: https://global.columbia.edu/

Position Summary:

The Program Lead is responsible for the strategic design, direction, and oversight of academic programming, external engagement, and resource development initiatives at the Columbia Global Center in Mumbai. This senior role requires strategic vision, operational excellence, and the ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects in alignment with Columbia Globals mission and policies.

The Program Lead owns program design, including conceptual development, academic framing, partnership strategy, and long-term planning. The role also serves as the primary interface with senior external partners and funders, representing the Center in high-level engagements. The Program Lead provides oversight of program budgets, including budget development, resource allocation, and financial approvals in collaboration with the Center Director.

The Program Lead supervises and guides the Program Manager and other staff involved in program execution, ensuring that implementation, coordination, and documentation are carried out effectively and in alignment with strategic objectives.

Responsibilities:

Program Strategy, Design & Leadership

- Lead the conceptualization, design, and strategic direction of academic and public programming in collaboration with Columbia faculty and external partners.

- Develop program frameworks, identify lead faculty collaborators, and define objectives, deliverables, and success metrics.

- Translate scholarly themes into public-facing events, workshops, publications, or multi-year initiatives.

- Ensure all programs align with Columbia Globals mission, strategic priorities, and compliance requirements.

- Provide leadership and guidance to the Program Manager, who supports implementation, coordination, and documentation

External Partnerships & Representation

- Serve as the primary representative of the Center to seniorlevel external partners, funders, institutional collaborators, and highlevel stakeholders.

- Initiate, cultivate, and steward strategic partnerships across academia, industry, philanthropy, and government.

- Lead highlevel meetings, represent the Center in external forums, and advance Columbias visibility and reputation.

Program Oversight & Quality Assurance

- Own program budgets, including development, forecasting, resource allocation, and financial approvals.

- Ensure compliance with Columbia Global and local financial regulations.

- Oversee financial processes carried out by the Program Manager, who is responsible for tracking expenditures, processing invoices, and preparing financial reports.

- Support fundraising, grant proposals, and donor engagement, including developing program narratives and impact summaries.

Financial Accountability & Resource Development

- Own program budgets, including development, forecasting, resource allocation, and financial approvals.

- Ensure compliance with Columbia Global and local financial regulations.

- Oversee financial processes carried out by the Program Manager, who is responsible for tracking expenditures, processing invoices, and preparing financial reports.

- Support fundraising, grant proposals, and donor engagement, including developing program narratives and impact summaries.

Team Leadership & Supervision

- Supervise the Program Manager, consultants, and other program staff, providing mentorship, guidance, and performance management.

- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and highperforming team environment.

- Coordinate with colleagues across Columbia Global and New York headquarters to ensure alignment and information flow.

Governance, Compliance & Institutional Alignment

- Ensure all program activities adhere to Columbia Globals policies, ethical standards, and compliance requirements.

- Safeguard confidentiality of institutional information and uphold the highest standards of professionalism.

- Maintain strong communication with New York headquarters to ensure alignment with institutional priorities.

Note: The roles and responsibilities outlined above are not meant to be an exhaustive list of tasks. The need for flexibility is required and the job holder is expected to carry out any other related duties that are within the employee's skills and abilities whenever reasonably instructed.

Minimum Qualifications:

- Masters degree in a relevant field (e.g., international relations, public policy, education, or management).

- Minimum 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in program management, preferably in higher education, non-profit, or international organizations.

- Experience operating within or closely with the U.S. higher education environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Demonstrated ability to design and deliver complex academic or public programs.

- Strong strategic thinking, partnership development, and stakeholder engagement skills.

- Experience supervising staff and managing cross-functional teams.

- Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, invoicing, and compliance oversight.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

- Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.

- Knowledge of Indian labour practices, higher education landscape, and global compliance standards.

- Experience working with global academic institutions or international development.

- Familiarity with Columbia University systems and policies preferred.

Additional Information:

- This position is based at the Columbia Global Center in Mumbai, India.

- Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support programming.

- Occasional travel within the region may be required to advance program initiatives and maintain partnership development.