Employer: Stanford University
Location: Stanford, CA, United States
Category: Student Services
Job function: Student Services
Workplace type: Hybrid
Contract type: Regular
Grade: H
Posted: 2026-08-20
WORK SCHEDULE:
Hybrid work arrangement with 3 days per week on-site with hours of operation from 9am to 5pm. Some weeks will require on-site work for four or more days.
BUDGETED SALARY:
The expected pay range for this position is $91,874 to $108,373 per annum.
SCHOOL/UNIT DESCRIPTION:
Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI) is Stanford University's primary interdisciplinary research and teaching institute on international policy and international affairs. The Ford Dorsey Master’s in International Policy (MIP) at FSI is a two-year, graduate-level program that grants the Master of Arts degree. Established in 1982, MIP prepares future leaders for careers in international policymaking across government, NGOs, IGOs, and the private sector. At the core of the MIP program are Stanford's exceptional faculty, small, close-knit student cohorts, and an interdisciplinary approach to research and teaching. The program combines theory and practice, encouraging students to utilize their knowledge in tangible ways, such as through the completion of summer internships and their participation in a capstone project. Students are broadly trained in quantitative, analytical, policy, and interpersonal skills as well as on the substantive issues facing the world today, and equipped to analyze and solve complex, real-world policy challenges.
POSITION SUMMARY:
MIP is recruiting a highly motivated, relationship-oriented professional to lead the program’s career development and alumni engagement efforts. Reporting to the MIP Senior Associate Director, the Career Development and Alumni Engagement Manager will serve as the program’s lead and primary resource for career advising, job and internship searches, professional development, and engagement with MIP alumni worldwide. As a key member of the MIP team, the Manager will assess and respond to the evolving career and professional development needs of students and alumni, while helping strengthen connections across the MIP community. They will represent the program with employers, external organizations, recruiters, alumni, and university partners and leverage these relationships to expand professional opportunities for students and alumni, build an engaged global alumni network, and contribute to the continued strength and competitiveness of the MIP program.
The successful candidate is a proactive, collaborative, and resourceful professional who is passionate about career coaching and skilled at building relationships and translating them into meaningful professional opportunities for students and alumni. They should possess excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills; demonstrate the ability to manage multiple priorities independently; and be comfortable engaging with students, alumni, employers, senior professionals, faculty, and colleagues from diverse backgrounds and at different stages of their careers. An interest in global affairs, public policy, and diverse cultures is highly valued.
Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.
PREFERRED/DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Strong subject matter knowledge and expertise relevant to the position’s areas of responsibility.
- Excellent planning and organizational skills, with the ability to establish priorities, manage multiple projects, and meet time-sensitive deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with diverse internal and external audiences.
- Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, negotiation, and customer service skills, with the ability to work effectively and diplomatically with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated sound judgment, initiative, creativity, and decision-making ability.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
In addition, preferred requirements include:
- Work experience in one or more areas of international policy in which MIP students specialize, Cyber Policy and Security, Energy, Natural Resources, and the Environment, Governance and Development, and International Security is desirable, although not required.
- A Master’s degree is desirable, although not required.
Core Duties
- Administer an area or program in student services, evaluate and recommend decisions on program eligibility. Review decisions recommended by other staff.
- Collaborate with others to help resolve program issues and concerns, interpret policies, and mediate complex and sensitive issues. May be tasked with evaluating and recommending program improvements.
- Resolve multi-dimensional matters in response to students in crisis, at risk, or who have other program issues, counsel students and parents on sensitive and confidential issues.
- Provide guidance and counsel, oversee and develop a wide range of programs and services, analyze effectiveness and make recommendations for future programs.
- Reconcile complex issues; analyze diverse transactions from multiple sources.
- Summarize data from multiple sources, prepare manage reports and presentations.
- Identify and evaluate data needs, manage the implementation and development of technology.
- Develop and implement plans for outreach efforts, develop and maintain external community and university liaison, represent department and university at meetings and events.
- Provide advice to students on a range of issues, including, but not limited to, academic progress, academic program policies, career plans, accessibility, community standards, etc., in order to guide them in making appropriate choices and decisions. May have to escalate issues to a senior advisor.
- Apprise students of research, fellowship and scholarship opportunities, make recommendations and may award grants.
- Serve as a subject matter expert to students and other departments; represent unit/department.
- May lead, create and contribute to development of business practices and organizational change to improve processes and workflow.
- May oversee, analyze and assist in financial processes and development of budgets.
- Serve as a key member of a project team.
- May train and supervise other staff, volunteers, student and temporary workers.
Minimum Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Strong communication skills to clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences, client groups, and management.
- Advanced analysis and problem solving skills.
- Advanced computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Advanced customer service skills.
- Relevant computer systems/technology experience.
- Understanding of financial transactions.
- Ability to ensure and apply compliance with legal, financial, and university policies and external regulations.