Joan McDowell
Responsibilities
- Strategic HR Planning
- Employee/Labor Relations
- Conflict Resolution
- Talent Acquisition
- FMLA/Leave Management
- Workforce Planning and Reporting
- Organizational Structuring
- Office of Administration and Local 2110 Business Partner
About
Joan McDowell joined Columbia Engineering in 2017. As executive director of human resources, Joan collaborates closely with Columbia Engineering leadership teams to effectively communicate, implement, and oversee staff human resources programs and policies. She works in partnership with the University's central human resources office to support various HR initiatives. Her approach fosters a collaborative and service-oriented atmosphere within Columbia Engineering. Her role is pivotal in managing and enhancing HR functions, ensuring compliance, and fostering a proactive organizational culture within the school.
Key Achievements and Responsibilities
Joan has extensive experience in HR roles, including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, compensation, and benefits administration. She has led the recruitment and onboarding processes for officers of administration, union and non-union support staff, administrative personnel, and researchers within Columbia Engineering. Joan handles complex HR, employee relations, and labor relations matters, including grievance resolution. She has developed innovative recruitment and sourcing strategies and managed various HR processes while managing performance evaluations, providing coaching and counseling, and promoting a performance-based culture.
Before coming to Columbia Engineering, Joan served as a senior human resources generalist at NYU Tandon School of Engineering. During her tenure at NYU, Joan ensured compliance with collective bargaining agreements, HR policies, and relevant laws. Joan managed leave programs, personnel transactions, and HR operational functions. She developed and implemented HR forms, checklists, and procedures. She conducted exit interviews, analyzed HR data, and improved employee retention strategies. She supervised staff, provided training, and advised on HR policies and procedures while providing training and coaching line managers on staff performance issues. She managed annual compensation processes, including analyzing and processing bonuses and merit increases.
Education and Certifications
Joan is pursuing a master of science in human capital management at Columbia University (Expected May 2026). She obtained a bachelor's degree in human services from the City University of New York. Joan holds SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and SHRM Talent Acquisition Specialty Credential and has active membership in several professional organizations, including the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), National Association of Professional Women (NAPW), and College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR).