Associate Director, Research Administration

Note: This is not a remote position however hybrid options will be considered.

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.

Stanford's School of Engineering seeks an Associate Director of Engineering Research Administration (ERA) to support faculty, staff, and students engaged in cutting edge research aimed at solving the world's most challenging problems. On behalf of eight SoE academic departments, ERA administers approximately 1,000 annual awards and $140 million in annual sponsored research and oversees all research compliance activities for all SoE academic units. ERA is a high-volume and productive administrative unit, and the ERA staff collectively manage the pre- and post-award activities for a large and diverse portfolio of sponsoring agencies (over 290 different sponsors). Reporting to the director for Engineering Research Administration, the associate director will partner with and support the director to lead a team of close to 40 people including several direct reports. Additionally, the associate director will also take on the role of a secondary business relationship manager for university-level research offices including the Office of Sponsored Research (OSR), Research Financial Compliance and Services (RFS), and the Dean of Research.

●      Direct staff and provide leadership to achieve goals and vision of the organization and the day-to-day operations. Responsible for hiring and retaining staff, career coaching, personal development for direct reports and accountable for the performance of employees.

●      Develop business plans and infrastructure to support research and teaching. Provide analysis and review of multi-year plans, including providing alternative methods for achieving goals when necessary. Influence faculty leadership on specific recommendations for current operation and for future development of the organization and lead process improvement.

●      Interpret, implement and ensure compliance with university academic and administrative policies and procedures within an operating unit. Recommend new internal policies, guidelines and procedures.

●      Oversee and/or manage the finances across all sources for the annual budget cycle, including developing, monitoring, analyzing forecasting and reporting.

●      Manage and coordinate grants and contracts for the department. Ensure compliance with institutional and external requirements.

●      Represent the unit’s business and academic operations within the organization. May represent the organization to external constituencies.

●      Supervise a team of staff that supports a wide array of key organization wide functions.

*Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience (Required):

●       Bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience in administrative and financial management, or combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (Required):

●           Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills including conflict resolution.

●           Excellent planning and organizational skills.

●           Excellent communication skills.

●           Strong financial expertise in accounting, budget planning and financial forecasting.

●           Strong expertise in grants and contract administration.

●           Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills.

●           Attention to detail and accuracy.

●           Strong analytical and problem solving skills.

●           Strong expertise in business and management computer applications and databases.

●           Strong knowledge of industry standards and/or regulatory requirements.

●           Subject matter expertise for area(s) of responsibility.

●           Ability to multi-task and manage deadlines.

Education & Experience (Desired):

●           Over 5 years of relevant experience is preferred.

●           Demonstrated change management skills.

Working Conditions:

●           Occasional evening and weekend hours.

Physical Requirements*:

●           Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.

●           Frequently sitting.

●           Occasionally stand/walk, writing by hand, use a telephone, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh 11-20 pounds.

●           Rarely sort/file paperwork or parts, rarely twist/bend/stoop/squat.

*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.

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 $144,000 to $185,000 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.

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!

How to Apply:

We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button. To be considered, please submit a cover letter and résumé along with your online application. The cover letter should briefly describe why you believe you are a good fit for this position.

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.