Program Director

SCHOOL/UNIT DESCRIPTION:

Since its creation in 1954, researchers associated with the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences (CASBS) at Stanford University have explored some of our world’s most challenging questions and problems. Drawing on disciplines across academia and insights have created and extended knowledge of our world, and continue to do so. The Center’s annual mix of distinguished thinkers of proven accomplishment facilitates advanced thinking and research. They study contemporary societal problems and contribute to evidence-based policy and solutions.

CASBS is an accelerator of ideas. In addition to our flagship fellowship program, we facilitate interdisciplinary, intersectoral, and collaborative efforts to develop new solutions to major societal challenges. We do this by convening great thinkers, tapping into the CASBS network of current and former fellows as well as leading scholars and policymakers beyond academia to deliver new ideas and research programs addressing major problems facing the world. We have also provided support for social science and social inquiry through a focus on cutting-edge methods, awards for extraordinary scholarship, and field building workshops and institutes.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Center seeks an experienced candidate for the position of Program Director. Reporting to the Faculty Director, the primary function of this key position is to administer the multi-year initiatives. The Program Director is a member of the senior management team, and works closely with the Faculty Director and leaders of the programs and projects in a collaborative environment.

The Program Director identifies and recommends new research opportunities related to the key challenges CASBS initiatives seek to address, keeping up with trends. This involves reviewing priority areas from foundations and government agencies, as well as reviewing proposals from academics, for their fit with CASBS’s goals. The Program Director must have an understanding of the policy process and its implications for research agendas, and will conduct analyses of policy developments and engagement to identify and recommend opportunities.

Building relationships both internal and external to Stanford, the Program Director will interact with a variety of stakeholders, including program/project leaders, academic experts, funders (private, foundation and government), industry leaders, policymakers, and CASBS fellows.

The Program Director is responsible for managing and developing programs and projects that fit the initiatives, such as meetings, workshops and summer institutes. Responsibilities are also to develop and oversee budgets related to the programmatic activities, identifying new funding opportunities, and assessing needs for additional funding. The Program Director will assign budget, staff, and time on behalf of the research initiatives, determining the staff and other resources necessary for a program.

The Program Director will independently write/edit grant proposals, interim and annual grant reports, program/project communications, and collaborate with the Faculty Director and project leaders on papers for publication for funders and a wider audience including academics, industry professionals, policymakers, and the general public. In addition, the Program Director will manage the outreach strategy for programs and projects, which includes dissemination of the deliverables. The Program Director will also prepare reports for the biannual Board of Directors Meeting.

The ideal candidate has experience in the behavioral and social sciences, as well as policy experience, and is a highly motivated and proactive self-starter with the ability to work independently and as a member and leader of a team. Strong planning and execution skills are critical, along with excellent interpersonal and communication skills; the ability to work and communicate effectively with a variety of academics, industry leaders, policy makers and analysts to advance program goals; and a proven track record of grant-writing and knowledge of budget management.

This is a three-year fixed term, 100% FTE, benefits-eligible position. There may be occasional extended hours and weekends. This position will be based on the Stanford campus and after a trial period will be considered for an option of a hybrid schedule, subject to operational need. For consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume. All final candidates must complete a background check.

CORE DUTIES:

• Develop and manage research programs by conducting research activities, including outreach to varied stakeholders within the program, assigning resources and making program improvement recommendations that impact policies and programs.
• Identify, recommend and implement opportunities for new research.
• Source, collect and analyze data, create reports, review and explain trends; formulate and evaluate alternative solutions and/or recommendations to achieve the goals of the program or function.
• Teach and/or assist in the teaching and administration of courses. Develop curriculum. Develop curriculum-rating survey, detailed feedback on courses and make recommendations for preliminary overview and changes.
• Write and/or edit complex content for proposals, research grants, peer-reviewed publications, and other program activities.
• Contribute to and inform on strategic program/entity planning and related funding and financial sustainability.
• May advise students and/or coach/mentor clients.
• Develop or contribute to outreach strategy related to program communications, development, partnerships, and fundraising/funding.
• Coach and mentor program staff.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience or combination of education, training, and relevant experience. Advanced degree may be required for some programs. For jobs with financial responsibilities, experience managing a budget and developing financial plans.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to develop program partnerships and funding sources.
• Excellent oral, written, and analytical skills, exhibiting fluency in area of specialization.
• Ability to oversee and direct staff.
• Basic knowledge of managing budgets and developing financial plans.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Advanced degree in behavioral and social sciences.
• Experience working with the policy sector.
• Prior academic publications, white papers, and/or research grants.
• A proven track record of grant-writing.
• A self-starter, with the ability to work independently and as a member and leader of a team.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work and communicate effectively with a variety of academics, industry leaders, policy makers and analysts in connecting across behavioral and social science disciplines, and developing project ideas.

Certifications and Licenses:

None

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Frequently stand/walk, sitting, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Occasionally use a telephone, writing by hand, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 40 pounds.
• Rarely sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh >40 pounds.
• Ability to use voice to present information/communicate with others.
• On-campus mobility.

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• May work extended hours, evenings or weekends.
• May travel locally.
• Occasional overnight travel.

WORK STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

Onsite/Hybrid:

The expected pay range for this position is $116,966 to $150,114