Employer: Stanford University
Location: Stanford, CA, United States
Category: Administration
Job function: Academic Program Professional
Workplace type: Hybrid
Contract type: Regular
Grade: H
Posted: 2026-09-21
The Hoover Institution seeks a Research Program Manager/Portfolio Specialist to support and operationally energize the policy and research agenda of the Technology and Manufacturing Leadership (TML) team, a new Hoover program operating within the Commons Initiative.
TML is focused on producing research and reality-based, actionable outputs dedicated to how the US and its allies and partners can maintain technology and manufacturing leadership. TML's research agenda centers on identifying and exploring opportunities to advance innovation and production capability across several industrial sectors. TML will consider how to deploy strategic capitalism and a whole-of-nation approach to technological transformation, how to forge deeper cooperation with democratic nations to implement, and how to assess and activate the full stack of factors that contribute to the ability to make complex products. Several workstreams are being developed, including semiconductors, industrial biomanufacturing, and advanced manufacturing, as well as research tools that drive technological innovation.
The Research Program Manager/Portfolio Specialist role is to develop, implement, and administer the vision, strategy, and goals of the team's portfolio. The program is in its ramp-up phase. Ideal candidates are self-directed, organized, and accountable in dynamic, highly collaborative environments. Positivity, resilience under pressure, and strong problem-solving skills are essential. The role requires someone who brings consistent energy and humility to the team. Program management experience, strong writing skills and budget oversight are preferred but not required. Competence in visual display tools and tech literacy is an asset. Expertise in adjacent domains—political science, economics, law, engineering—is equally welcome with demonstrated willingness to learn the technology landscape.
Studies have shown that people from certain backgrounds are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. We may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
The position is not a research position, but an operational role.
A cover letter and resume are required for full consideration.
This position is a two-year fixed term contract.
WORK ARRANGEMENT: This position will be based on the Stanford campus and may be considered for an option of one or two day/week telecommuting (hybrid of working on-site and off-site), subject to operational need.
CORE DUTIES*:
- Develop and manage the program operations associated with scheduling, organizing, and operating.
- Manage program activities, including outreach to varied stakeholders within the program, assigning resources and making program improvement recommendations that impact policies and programs.
- Manage public programs from inception through completion, including speaker and participant coordination, logistics, budgeting, and related activities; oversee research efforts and evaluate programs; and collect and analyze data to assess effectiveness and support recommendations for improvement.
- Write and/or edit complex content for newsletters, email communications, policy reports, peer-reviewed publications, proposals, research grants, fundraising and other program outputs.
- Monitor program expenses, budgets, and finances, and make recommendations on funding based on program spending.
- Source, collect and analyze data; review and explain trends; identify and recommend new collaboration opportunities; formulate and evaluate alternative solutions and/or recommendations to achieve the goals of the program or function.
- Coach and mentor program staff, including student research assistants.
Preferred/Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Able to work comfortably with frontier technologies subject matter and industrial manufacturing themes.
- Capable of managing, completing, and shipping complex and high-consequence projects and work products on time.
- Able to support and prepare principles for meetings, briefings, hearings, or discussions.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- May work extended hours, evenings or weekends.
- May be asked to travel locally, nationally, and internationally.
- Occasional overnight travel.
Core Duties:
- Oversee and administer research activities by evaluating academic programs, making recommendations that impact policies and programs, and coordinating and implementing changes.
- Collect and analyze data, create reports, review and explain trends to determine program effectiveness; formulate and evaluate alternative solutions and/or recommendations to achieve the goals of the program.
- Teach and/or assist in the teaching and administration of courses. Create and/or advise in the development of curriculum. Make recommendations for course improvements.
- Write and edit content for proposals, peer-reviewed publications, and other program activities under the general direction of PI. Assist with the development of research grants, (i.e., may suggest new funding opportunities, write portions of grants, and/or summarize data for grant support).
- Represent the program or function as the key contact and subject matter expert within the department, unit or school and develop communications for internal and external constituencies. Organize and/or participate in outreach activities such as events, partnerships, fundraising, training, and conferences. Lead workshops and facilitate meetings.
- Monitor expenses, budgets, and finances of the program. Make recommendations on funding based on program spend.
- May oversee and train student workers.
Minimum Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree and two years of relevant experience or combination of education, training, and relevant experience. Advanced degree may be required for some programs. Program administration and or research experience may be required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Demonstrated oral, written, and analytical skills, exhibiting fluency in area of specialization.
- Ability to oversee and provide basic direction to staff.
Certificates and Licenses Required
For teaching jobs, advanced degree or certification may be required for some programs.