Manager-Operations

Position Summary

Reporting to the Administrator, Pulitzer Prize, the Manager, Operations independently supervises and coordinates procedural and operational aspects of the internationally renowned awards program. Collaborates with the Administrator on strategic planning for the prizes. Acts in tandem with the Administrator on budget management and serves as a liaison for the 20-member Pulitzer Prize Board at its highly confidential meetings. Researches and implements Board policy directives, assists the Board's special consultative committees, and provides continuity and guidance for a group whose chair/s changes annually.

Responsibilities

a) Coordinates the jury selection process for the awards program with 23 prize categories that attract upwards of 2500 entries and require an annual roster of more than 120 jurors. Prize process responsibilities include supporting the Administrator in working with the Board to identify and recruit prospective jurors; assessing eligibility of submissions, in consultation with the Administrator as needed; tracking annual deadlines and managing calendar of routine reminders for jurors and board members; serves as liaison between Pulitzer office and jurors and is available to answer informational questions for jurors; oversees all routine communications with jurors;

b) Under minor supervision from the Administrator, manages fiscal operations for the office, with its own endowments, revenue and operating expenses. Responsibilities include budgeting, purchasing and bookkeeping, approving all requisitions, payments, reimbursements, and payroll for staff and consultants.

c) Manages organizational and prize-related operations for the office. Responsibilities include organizing staff workflow throughout the year, communicating with Columbia facilities, IT, human resources, and many outside vendors and consultants needed to support operational needs.

d) Organizes, attends and prepares materials for annual meetings of Pulitzer Prize Board and its various consultative committees throughout the year. Supports the Board and Administrator on strategic planning. Assists individual members of the Board throughout the awards cycle, handling highly confidential information and requests. Responsible for records management and the historical archives of the Prizes, which include highly sensitive materials.

e) Organizes annual awards gala, typically attended by more than 200 guests and prizewinners.

f) Serves as a source of general information about the Pulitzer Prizes throughout the year to prospective entrants and the wider public, providing details about entries, winners, historical precedents and any other type of procedural and research inquiry.

g) Under the supervision of the Administrator, may serve as a spokesperson for procedures and operations (sometimes under intense public and media scrutiny).

h) Reviews and approves all content for the Pulitzer Prize website (and other materials distributed to the public) concerning the awards competition, the press announcement of the winners and the prizes' history.

i) Works closely with public outreach programs manager on event budgets and logistics.

j) Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned/requested.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Consults regularly with the Administrator, the Pulitzer Board chairs and other members of the Pulitzer Board on matters of precedent and procedure, but also works independently.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of related experience
• Knowledge of contemporary literature, journalism, drama and music is essential, mindful of rapid developments in these fields.
• Requires excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work independently, sometimes under extreme deadline pressure, with attention to accuracy and detail, and discretion when handling confidential material.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Familiarity with Columbia systems and departments preferred, including Concur and Marketplace, as well as Purchasing, Accounts Payable, HR and CUIT.

Other Requirements

• NA

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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