Associate Director, Program Administration

Job Purpose: Under minimal supervision, lead and manage residential programs and operations that support student life and learning across Stanford's undergraduate residential communities. The role requires subject matter expertise in student affairs, programming logistics, financial stewardship, and community development.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and operations for programs or functions that have significant business, regulatory, and/or technical challenges requiring subject matter expertise (30%): Oversee undergraduate residential program operations, including support and logistics for Resident Assistants (RAs), Resident Fellows (RFs), and house programming. Advise student staff and residential communities on financial policies and procedures. Provide leadership and administrative support to the co-op council and coordinate with Residential & Dining Enterprises (R&DE) and the Committee on Residential Life (CoRL). Direct the work of Community Coordinators and support their day-to-day functions and professional development.
• Oversee and manage budgets (20%): Manage house and community budgets, including centrally distributed programming funds. Provide budget oversight for RF discretionary accounts and advise on responsible fiscal practices.
• Represent the program within ResEd and across campus (15%): Serve as liaison between ResEd and internal/external partners including the Office of Student Engagement, Frosh Council, ASSU, Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL), and the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education (VPUE). Coordinate university-wide programming partnerships and support major residential events.
• Evaluate programs or functions, policies, and procedures; identify issues and develop alternative solutions (15%): Assess the effectiveness of RA and RF-led programming. Develop and revise programming guidelines to align with departmental goals and compliance expectations. Resolve challenges related to program budgets and purchasing processes. Conduct financial analysis on house spending, programming trends, and vendor usage. Provide strategic recommendations for use of funds in areas such as retreats, travel, event swag, and contracts.
• Assess and develop training (10%): Train and mentor Community Coordinators (CCs). Contribute to RA and RF training curriculum development and delivery, with a focus on equity, policy, and engagement.
• Develop outreach strategy and maintain compliance (10%): Serve as a key contact for RFs regarding ResEd policy and resource navigation. Address compliance and feedback concerns related to financial stewardship and programming expectations.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Expertise in student affairs, program operations, and budget management.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage shifting priorities and complex projects.
• Skill in problem solving, decision-making, and working independently or on a team.
• Understanding of university policies, student development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.

Physical Requirements

Frequently perform desk-based computer tasks and attend meetings across campus. Occasionally lift materials up to 20 pounds.

Work Standards

Comply with all university policies, including confidentiality, fiscal accountability, and adherence to safety practices. Contribute to a culture of care, inclusion, and collaboration within Residential Education and Student Affairs. This is a hybrid position with at least 3 days onsite.

The expected pay range for this position is $120,038 - $137,000 annual. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

How to Apply: We invite you to apply for this position, please submit your résumé and a one-page cover letter along with your online application.