Assistant Director, COSAS

Department

AHD Staff: COSAS - Administration

About the Department

The Committee on Southern Asian Studies (COSAS) is an interdisciplinary unit that brings together faculty and students from schools and divisions across the University in pursuit of scholarship in South Asia. COSAS funds research and programming for faculty and provides funding opportunities for graduate students. COSAS also organizes a regular series of events around myriad topics relevant to the region.

Job Summary

Applicants must upload a resume and cover letter to be considered for this full-time, benefits eligible, hybrid position. On-campus presence required.

Reporting to the Senior Associate Director, the Assistant Director provides comprehensive administrative, operational, and financial support for the Committee on Southern Asian Studies (COSAS). This role serves as the primary point of contact for internal and external inquiries, manages communications and digital presence, supports event planning and execution, oversees student workers, and collaborates with leadership to implement programs aligned with Committee goals. Additionally, the Assistant Director manages faculty research accounts, administers student funding programs, supports annual grant and fellowship activities, and monitors expenses and financial transactions.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the first point of contact for Committee inquiries. Liaises with faculty, staff, students, and external units to build strong relationships that advance the Committee’s mission. Anticipates needs, facilitates problem-solving, and ensures clear, consistent messaging to support informed decision-making and foster effective collaboration.
• Manages COSAS web and social media presence to ensure timely, accurate, and engaging communication. Oversees content strategy, creation, and updates. Collaborates with faculty, staff, and divisional communications to highlight key initiatives, events, and accomplishments.
• Works closely with faculty, students, and others to develop and execute COSAS events, including venue selection, transportation, accommodations, audio/visual needs, and day-of-event activities.
• Hires, trains, and oversees student workers supporting Committee PR, social media content, events, and special projects.
• Manages the maintenance and proper functioning of office equipment and ensures office supply inventory levels meet operational needs.
• Partners with the Committee Chair and Sr. Associate Director to ensure smooth execution of programs and initiatives aligned with the Committee’s mission.
• Manages COSAS faculty research accounts and provides strategic administrative support for research proposals, ensuring compliance with funding requirements and Committee policies.
• Manages the planning and execution of annual grants and fellowship cycles, contributing to the development of new funding opportunities and overseeing application systems, data collection, and reporting.
• Administers student fellowships and the Graduate Student Research Fund, maintaining integrity and equity in funding decisions with timely disbursement.
• Facilitates financial oversight functions of individual and leadership General Expense Management System (GEMS) cards, monitoring expenditures and resolving discrepancies.
• Partners with the Social Sciences Division’s Local Business Center (LBC) to execute financial transactions, procurement, and reimbursements while ensuring adherence to policy and budget parameters.
• Coordinates with the LBC for new grant initiatives, proactively managing timelines, resources, and administrative requirements.
• Uses moderate/solid understanding and experience to administer the delivery of services to program participants and/or beneficiaries.
• Sets and communicates program priorities and performance standards and assesses operations using these criteria. Plans and conducts quality assurance reviews and recommends changes as appropriate.
• Analyzes program budgets and recommends or makes budgetary recommendations.
• Has moderate/high levels of interactions with faculty, researchers and staff for committee work or information.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Office administration and operations.
• Mentorship or direct management experience.
• Social media and web