FPCE and Affiliated Research Centers Manager

The School of Engineering
Stanford Engineering has been at the forefront of innovation for nearly a century, creating pivotal technologies that have transformed the worlds of information technology, communications, health care, energy, business and beyond. Our faculty and students are creative risk-takers who pursue excellence across a breadth of disciplines.  Our alumni include some of the world's most successful leaders in technology and business. Our staff are critical to enabling Stanford Engineering to accomplish its mission: seeking solutions to some of the world's most urgent challenges and educating leaders who will make the world a better place through the power of engineering principles, techniques and systems. 

The Department of Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering is one of the largest departments in Stanford’s School of Engineering, with over 40 faculty and roughly 800 undergraduate, masters, and doctoral students. The department is consistently ranked in the top group of all mechanical engineering departments in the nation. Our faculty members work in five major research groups that reflect the department’s focus and methodologies. Our philosophy is simple: We push the limits of the possible – the ultra-efficient and hyper-fast, the maximally enduring and most sustainable, the fully autonomous and the super-controlled. We employ a range of methodologies: design thinking, computational engineering and simulation, advanced optical diagnostics, control systems and multi-scale approaches that range from the nanoscale to complex biological and mechanical systems.

The Flow Physics and Computational Engineering Group (FPCE) in the Mechanical Engineering Department is contributing new theories, models, computational tools and laboratory measurements for accurate engineering design analysis and control of complex flows including: acoustics, transition, heat transfer, chemical reactions, biofluids, complex fluids, and other phenomena of interest in aerodynamics, electronics cooling, environmental engineering, hypersonic flight , propulsion and power systems. FPCE is closely connected with the Center for Turbulence Research (CTR) , an internationally recognized institution for fundamental research on multi-physics turbulent flows, and the Predictive Science Academic Alliance Program (PSAAP III) , an interdisciplinary research center dedicated to advancing computational science for simulation of complex engineering systems. The Thermal and Fluids Sciences Industrial Affiliates Program (TFSA) is jointly operated by the FPCE and Thermofluids, Energy, and Propulsion Systems Group of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. 

The Mechanical Engineering FPCE Group and its affiliated programs (CTR, PSAAP and TFSA) seek a personable, organized, detail-oriented and flexible manager to join the team to oversee the administrative functions of these highly interrelated programs led by the FPCE faculty. Do you have a gift for organization, excellent writing skills, superior attention to detail, and a love of working with people?  You may be the right fit to join our team.

Your responsibilities include:  

• Independently implement, administer, and evaluate day-to-day activities of FPCE and affiliated programs by identifying and executing tasks and objectives, making recommendations that impact policies and programs, and assigning resources to achieve the goals of the group and affiliated programs.
• Supervise compilation and publication of the CTR Annual Research Briefs and the Proceedings of the CTR Summer Programs, and other technical reports required by research sponsors. This includes hiring, supervision and coordination with external editors
• Collect and analyze data, create reports, review and explain trends; formulate and evaluate alternative solutions and/or recommendations to achieve the goals of the group and affiliated programs.
• Analyze and interpret policies; develop, revise and implement procedures for the group and affiliated programs.
• Process appointment forms and visa-related actions for all research students, postdocs, and visitors and manage logistics and planning for CTR biennial summer program that hosts over 70 visiting scholars for month-long extensive research at Stanford.
• Onboard new team members for CTR, FPCE and PSAAP, and update their respective websites. Liaison with postdoctoral and visiting scientists applicants to CTR to ensure that CTR specific requirements are met.
• Represent FPCE and affiliated programs 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 affiliated programs to external/internal stakeholders and constituencies.
• Act as a liaison to DOE admin to submit continuing application for the project (annually) and respond to requests for updates (quarterly), manage technical reporting for DOE by submitting quarterly and end-of-the-year reports, implementation plans (annually), manage project’s roster and verifying DOE constraints related to personnel, organize and manage semi-annual program reviews and follow DOE guidelines in terms of agenda, accommodations, etc.
• Organize and/or participate in outreach activities that may include developing communications and training, planning/promoting events and/or conferences.
• Participate in development of budgets, monitor, and approve expenditures. May perform limited forecasting and provide recommendations that determine the budget.
• Provide accurate and timely processing of financial transactions:  PCard, Travel Card, Purchase Order, Expense Reimbursement, Gift Processing.
• Supervise faculty admin in FPCE and maintain communication with faculty admins in other departments. May direct staff to perform various tasks and assignments.
• Support research, working closely with multiple Research Administrators to comply with all rules and regulations of funding agencies, act as research proposal coordinator.
• Provide administrative support to the CTR Director.
• *Other duties as assigned

Education & Experience (Required):

• Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (Required):

• Demonstrated ability to prioritize own work and multi-task.
• Demonstrated excellent organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and ownership of projects.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to routinely and independently exercise sound judgment in making decisions.
• Demonstrated experience working independently and as part of a team.
• Relevant subject matter knowledge.
• Ability to direct the work of others.

Education & Experience (Desired):

• Experience with Stanford policy, procedures and Stanford Oracle Financials  
• Excellent attention to detail and follow-through
• Success in event design/management
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated proficiency with Word, Excel, calendaring, web navigation and research, and email applications

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.

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 .

Pay Range:
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.

How to Apply:
We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button. To be considered, submit a cover letter and résumé along with your online application. Your one-page cover letter should briefly describe your background in administration and provide examples of your experience with executive-level support, event management, responsiveness, and flexibility. 

Why Stanford is for You: 
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. 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 [email protected] . 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.