Strategy & Operations Senior Manager

SCHOOL/UNIT DESCRIPTION:

The merged institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI) and Stanford Data Science (SDS) is a newly formed and rapidly growing institute within the Dean of Research. As an independent research institute, HAI + SDS's mission is to advance AI research, education, policy, and practice to improve the human condition. The research programming at the Stanford merged institute works to foster interdisciplinary research and elevate that work to a global audience through grant programming, convenings, fellowships and more.

Our VPDoR Diversity Journey:

• We create a hub of innovation through the power of diversity of disciplines and people.
• We provide equitable access and opportunity to all members of the community in order to do their best work, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• We listen to and value all colleagues who bring diverse perspectives to the advancement and development of a respectful community.
• We promote a culture of belonging, equity, and safety.
• We embed these values in excellence of education, research, and operation.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Stanford HAI's mission is to advance AI research, education, policy, and practice to improve the human condition. We believe AI should be guided by its human impact, inspired by human intelligence, and designed to augment, not replace, people. Our interdisciplinary faculty conducts research focused on guiding the development of AI technologies intended to enhance human capabilities while ensuring its ethical, fair, and transparent use.

The AI and Organizations Lab is a new center, to be inaugurated in early 2026, setting out to pioneer a new empirical science of AI-enhanced organizational coordination and performance. It will advance HAI's mission of human-centered AI by grounding it in the lived realities of the workplace--illuminating and shaping AI's emerging impacts on jobs, teams, and organizations.

Stanford HAI is seeking a founding Strategy & Operations Senior Manager to co-pilot the launch of the AI and Organizations Lab. We are looking for an entrepreneurial leader with a track record of navigating complex organizations and the gravitas to work with senior Stanford and industry stakeholders. This role requires a blend of strategic thinking and rigorous execution, suited for a leader who thrives in autonomous environments and manages competing priorities with precision and follow-through.

This is a fixed-term appointment. The initial appointment will be 3-year fixed-term. The fixed-term may be renewed for additional years based on business needs.

CORE DUTIES:

• Lead and oversee development, implementation, administration, and evaluation of programs. Oversee analysis, reporting, and program improvements. Oversee the development, adherence to, and implementation of program policies and procedures.
• Lead strategic planning for the program/entity.
• Represent the entity or program to the broader university, external community, and other stakeholders. Provide expert consultation related to program development, funding opportunities, or other specialty area.
• Develop outreach strategy related to program communications, development, partnerships and fundraising/funding. Identify external funding opportunities and write proposals and research grants. Develop and oversee strategic financial planning and sustainability for the program/entity, as needed; monitor performance and ensure appropriate controls.
• Teach or co-teach courses; oversee the administration of courses; create and/or advise in the development of curriculum; and/or advise students, coach and mentor clients and program staff.
• Coach and mentor program staff.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

Advanced degree and five years of relevant experience in area of specialization or combination of relevant education, training, and/or experience. For jobs with financial responsibilities, experience managing a budget and developing financial plans. Experience developing program partnerships and funding sources.

Desired Qualifications:

Advanced Degree: An MBA or a Master's/PhD in a relevant field (such as Management Science, Organization Theory, Sociology, or a related behavioral science) is highly preferred.

• Sector Versatility: Experience that spans both industry (tech/AI/consulting) and academia or research-intensive non-profits.
• AI Exposure: While not a coding role, prior experience working within an AI-native company or on projects involving the implementation of generative AI tools is a significant plus.
• Global Exposure: Experience working with international stakeholders or managing programs across different geographies, given the Lab's global mission.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• A "founder's mentality" with a proven track record of owning ambiguous, large-scale projects end-to-end, translating a high-level vision into an operational reality.
• The ability to operate at all altitudes, moving seamlessly from high-level strategic planning to the detailed implementation of efforts.
• Strong organizational gravitas, with the communication skills necessary to serve as a credible partner to world-class faculty, industry executives, and global research partners.
• Experience navigating complex institutional ecosystems, such as major research universities or global tech firms, with the patience and persistence to drive results through influence.
• Exceptional project management and execution skills, with a disciplined approach to managing competing priorities, annual planning, and operating cadence in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfort with technical and research-heavy environments, and the ability to bridge the gap between academic rigor and practical industry application.
• A deep passion for human-centered AI, with a genuine interest in how empirical research can be used to improve organizational health.
• Financial and resource fluency, including experience with budget forecasting, resource allocation, and ensuring operational sustainability for a growing center.

Certifications and Licenses:

N/A

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

N/A

* - 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:

Some in office meetings and convenings, some remote individual work with video meetings.

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: Hybrid

The expected pay range for this position is $139,741 to $179,496 per annum / hour.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. 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. At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford's extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.