Program Manager, Research Alliance Relations

Job Title: Program Manager, Research Alliance Relations Exemption: Exempt SCHOOL/UNIT DESCRIPTION: The Office of the Vice Provost and Dean of Research (VPDOR) provides guidance and support to facilitate, nurture and safeguard a thriving research ecosystem at Stanford.
To this end, the VPDOR assumes dual roles.
As Cognizant Dean for the independent academic units, the VPDOR oversees the program scope and resources for the sixteen multi-disciplinary and independent laboratories, centers, and institutes which operate outside of the schools’ boundaries.
As Vice Provost and the University’s Chief Research Officer, the VPDOR recommends and promulgates new policy and oversees its implementation; manages the mission-support offices that provide services of research compliance and administration, health and safety, and technology transfer to Stanford’s research enterprise; advises the President and Provost in a broad array of academic issues pertaining to and beyond research.
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: We are seeking a full-time Program Manager of Research Alliance Relations to support in the management of Stanford programs funded by the Dieter Schwarz Foundation (Dieter Schwarz Stiftung, or “DSS”), as well as other select strategic research programs sponsored by external funders.
These programs often span multiple schools and units, requiring coordination with academic leaders and senior staff, frequently including compliance considerations and bespoke programmatic implementations.
The Program Manager will report to the Director of Research Alliance Relations, and will work closely with faculty and researchers, various University offices and academic units, and the funder’s identified contacts.
The Program Manager will serve as VPDOR’s primary administrative contact for activities supported by funds from DSS and will collaborate with Stanford Data Science (SDS) and Stanford’s Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI) in the implementation of these funds.
The Program Manager will also be expected to partner with the Office of Development (OOD), who is on point for Stanford’s relationship with DSS, and has a deep understanding of the foundation’s expectations, the gift’s stewardship requirements, and its intended impact.
As such, creating and maintaining clear lines of communication and collaboration amongst multiple stakeholders will be required for this role.
Under supervision of the Director, the Program Manager will also play a role in helping to manage other existing complex research programs through effective engagement and coordinating between research funders, subject matter experts, and the various parts of the campus needed to ensure compliance with funding agreements.
Specific responsibilities will include: Build and maintain strong, consistent communication with campus units such as OOD, SDS, and HAI.
Facilitate collaboration efforts between Stanford and the Technical University of Munich (TUM).
This will include organizing meetings, working with HAI and SDS to identify faculty to attend TUM events, serving as lead on travel planning, and supporting Stanford faculty in preparation for events or meetings.
Work with OOD, partnering finance teams, and donor relations to ensure DSS funds are requested on time, used appropriately by annual deadlines, and reported as required.
Collect and/or create materials as requested, including impact stories for annual reports and stewardship touchpoints.
Help coordinate topics and agendas for occasional check-ins between Stanford and DSS; attend periodic Zoom and/or in-person meetings with DSS; organize all aspects of in-person visits by DSS and TUM delegations.
This position will be based on Stanford's main campus and will be considered for an option of hybrid work arrangement, subject to operational need.
This recruitment is for a three (3) year fixed-term, benefits-eligible position that begins on the start date and may be renewable in the future based on programmatic need and funding availability.
For consideration, applications must include a letter of interest and a resume.
CORE DUTIES: Independently implement, administer and evaluate day-to-day activities of the unit, function or program by identifying and executing tasks and objectives, making recommendations that impact policies and programs, and assigning resources to achieve the goals of the program.
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.
Analyze and interpret policies; develop, revise and implement procedures for program or function.
Represent the program or function as the key contact and subject matter expert within the department, unit or school.
Commit resources and provide information and/or training.
May also represent the program or function to external/internal stakeholders and constituencies Organize and/or participate in outreach activities that may include developing communications and training, planning/promoting events and/or conferences.
May participate in development of budgets, monitor, and approve expenditures.
May perform limited forecasting and provide recommendations that determine the budget.
May direct staff to perform various tasks and assignments.
May also supervise staff.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Demonstrated expertise in facilitating collaboration and communication.
Demonstrated ability to influence and motivate constituencies which could span multiple organizational boundaries.
Demonstrated excellent planning, organizational and analytical skills.
Demonstrated ability to make sound business decisions using good business judgment and innovative and creative problem-solving.
Demonstrated ability to manage financial, organizational and staff resources.
Excellent interpersonal and communications skills with the ability to cultivate professional and business partnerships.
Strong project planning and management skills.
Demonstrated ability to think strategically, plan proactively, execute responsibly, and deliver results.
A growth mindset PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*: Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
Frequently stand/walk, sitting, grasp lightly/fine manipulation.
Occasionally use a telephone.
Rarely lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh 11-20 pounds.
* - 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: Travel locally and cross-university.
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, https://adminguide.
stanford.
edu.
The expected pay range for this position is $66,560 to $120,000 per annum.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position.
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.
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.
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Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more! The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities.
Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility.
Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources at stanfordelr@stanford.
edu.
For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.