Stanford University, an international leader in higher education, seeks an experienced professional to serve as the University’s Global Engagement Review Director within the Office of the Vice Provost and Dean of Research (VPDoR). This is a unique opportunity to work in a truly entrepreneurial academic community to support the University’s world-class research enterprise.

Stanford University has a sponsored research project budget of over $1.6 billion, including the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, and manages more than 6,000 externally sponsored research projects. Global relationships are essential to the University’s mission, including to extend the frontiers of knowledge through research, to solve real-world problems, to prepare students to think broadly, deeply, and critically, and to deploy Stanford’s strengths to benefit our region, country, and world. These relationships include the students, faculty, and staff from outside of the U.S. who are an integral part of the Stanford community, and collaborations with entities and individuals outside of the U.S. who contribute to our research and teaching.

The Global Engagement Review Director is a new role at the University. This position will centrally coordinate the evaluation of global research relationships, some of which pose potential risks that could undermine Stanford’s mission and values. Such risks include, for example, legal sanctions, financial penalties, and/or loss of funding resulting from a violation of requirements (such as export control regulations or federal grant conditions), theft of intellectual property, unauthorized access to information technology systems, and infringement of Stanford’s policies and values, including openness in research, nondiscrimination, and academic freedom. The Director will be responsible for reviewing gifts, memberships in industrial affiliate programs, sponsored research projects, and other relationships, when these involve risks of undue foreign interference.

The position will be responsible for staying abreast of evolving requirements related to undue foreign interference, and coordinating with subject matter experts to support research and education while mitigating foreign influence risks. Primary duties include developing efficient and effective processes to evaluate potential relationships for undue foreign interference, identifying and evaluating risks, and making recommendations to reduce such risks. This position also will support and coordinate the activities of two new, related review bodies for complex situations identified by the Global Engagement Review Director: a committee of staff members who are subject matter experts, and a committee of staff and faculty members who will make recommendations to applicable University leadership and faculty. To execute these responsibilities, the Director will develop processes for reviews and relationships with key stakeholders, including faculty and other researchers, administration, and staff. The Director will report to the Associate Vice Provost of Research Policy and Integrity within VPDoR.

The successful candidate will possess executive skills to handle a volume of complicated matters and to design and implement effective review-and-resolution processes. Excellent analytical and communication skills, and a practical, solution-oriented approach, are also essential.

Required Qualifications:
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to work well individually and as a team member.
• Excellent ability to identify and analyze complex issues, organize, and make recommendations that are achievable within the University environment.
• Experience leading the design and implementation of systems or change within a complex organization.
• Proven ability to influence others and skillfully negotiate in complex situations.
• Makes sound decisions – relying on analysis, experience and good judgement.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task within necessary timeframes.
• Be a self-starter.
• Integrity and excellent judgment.
• Possess executive skills to handle a volume of complicated matters and to design and implement effective review-and-resolution processes.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills, and a practical, solution-oriented approach, are also essential.
• Bachelor’s degree and ten years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:
● Juris Doctorate, Ph.D. or Master's in public policy, law or closely related field.
● Familiarity working with faculty members, laboratories, and research environments.
● Expertise and experience in research administration, preferably within a university.
● Expertise and experience applying government grant conditions and regulatory research requirements related to foreign collaborations.
● Academic training or work experience in international affairs, including foreign policy or intelligence.
● Substantial experience working in or with institutions of higher education, affiliated academic medical centers, or research organizations.

***
We believe Stanford’s future success will be shaped by the diverse perspectives, unique experiences, and inclusive culture of its community.

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 his or her job.

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.

***
Procedure for Candidacy:

We are partnering with WittKieffer, an executive search firm, in support of recruiting for this position. All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. For consideration, applications must include, as separate documents, a letter of interest and a CV or resume. A comprehensive leadership profile can be found at Global Engagement Review Director. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by April 24, 2020. Nominations, inquiries and application materials can be directed to the WittKieffer consultants supporting this search, April Allen and Lauren Stets, at StanfordGlobalEngagement@wittkieffer.com.

In addition, all applicants are required to submit their application with letter of interest and a CV or resume via the StanfordCareers portal.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time
• Job Code: 4124
• Employee Status: Regular
• Grade: L
• Requisition ID: 86413