"Program Manager, Stanford Conferences"

JOB PURPOSE

The Program Manager acts as a key leader in the planning, development, and execution of Stanford Conferences' portfolio of summer and year-round programs, with primary responsibility for the Intern Housing Program and support and development of other individual-based conference programs. Working under minimal supervision, this position oversees end-to-end program operations—including logistics, marketing, registration, payments, agreements, financial management, and customer service—to deliver exceptional experiences for program participants. The Program Manager partners with internal and external stakeholders to shape innovative programming, drive operational excellence, and meet business objectives, while continuously improving processes, optimizing resources, and supporting the growth of R&DE Stanford Conferences.

CORE DUTIES

• Execute program plan definition, and detailed rollout schedule, including collaboration with internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with R&DE Strategic Marketing and Communications team to develop and execute a marketing plan, assessing, and revising as necessary to meet goals.
• Implement conversion strategy to meet program goals.
• Deliver an experience that leads to high customer satisfaction and advocacy for the program.
• Conduct analysis and make recommendations regarding the direction of the program.
• Actively participate in efforts to improve processes, programs and business across the department by collaborating with R&DE and non-R&DE teams such as IT, HR, to continuously streamline operations and processes.
• Coordinate with vendors and consultants on specific programs.
• Develop, implement, and oversee signature programs and events—including Intern Housing and related individual-based conference programs—by managing applications, vetting, payments, attendee experience, and operational logistics to ensure excellence and compliance.
• Design and optimize operational processes supporting the attendee experience, including application/registration workflow, marketing/outreach, payment, agreements/contracts, communications, and check-in/check-out activities.
• Serve as team lead for R&DE and University-hosted events requiring R&DE coordination; regularly plan and execute assigned summer conferences and special events.
• Collaborate with the Stanford Conferences team and campus partners to generate new programming and event opportunities; cultivate prospective clients, support program development, prepare sales presentations, and contribute to growth initiatives.
• Strategically develop programs and events to drive revenue growth by leveraging university resources, managing full cycle planning and execution, and identifying opportunities for new business and improved service offerings.

Additional Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with local companies and community organizations; represent the program through targeted outreach and at relevant events.
• Create and update website and digital content for assigned programs, ensuring accurate online resources for participants and partners.
• Monitor program expenses, budgets, and financial activity; generate reports to assess performance, conduct trend analysis, and inform decision-making.
• Supervise, train, and plan staffing for events and programs—including hiring and oversight of student workers and temporary staff to support operations based on scope and complexity.
• Manage contracts, vendor negotiations, agreements, and payment processes; resolve billing disputes and ensure documentation is accurate and timely.
• Ensure compliance with university policies and legal requirements, including e-commerce, UBIT, insurance, safety, ADA, emergency procedures, and amplified sound regulations; communicate and uphold standards at all events.
• Meet annual revenue targets and support initiatives to identify and implement new business opportunities to enhance or expand program offerings.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience or a combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience with managing programs.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of various marketing elements (e.g. pricing, audience, channels, communication).
• Ability to work independently to meet expected deadlines and schedules.
• Demonstrated ability to understand the target audience lifecycle and ability to convert leads into new business.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Certifications and Licenses

Valid CA Driver’s license required to support scheduled events and programs.

Preferred Skills and Certifications

• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or other event credentials.
• Proficiency in event management software (e.g. Cvent, Eventbrite).
• Experience supervising teams or managing budgets in higher ed/hospitality.
• Strong stakeholder/client-facing skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Frequently stand/walk, sit, use a telephone, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, speaking.
• Occasionally grasp forcefully, writing by hand.
• Rarely sort/file paperwork.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Occasional work on evenings and weekends September-May. Summer is the peak operational period when work on evenings and weekends is typical and vacation requests may be accommodated on a limited basis.

The expected pay range for this position is $87,000-$99,000 per annum.