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Executive Director of Strategic Research Initiatives

Employer
STANFORD UNIVERSITY
Location
California, United States
Closing date
17 Feb 2021

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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. 

Founded in 1965, the Stanford Computer Science (CS) Department continues to lead the world in computer science research and education influencing society at levels that remain without parallel among academic institutions. Its spin-offs are among the most successful corporate ventures in the world, and many of the leaders in the academic and corporate research world are graduates of the Stanford CS Department. Computer Science website: http://www-cs.stanford.edu/

The Executive Director of Strategic Research Initiatives in the Computer Science Department is responsible for working with Computer Science faculty to identify, develop, and manage significant new or expanded research programs. The Executive Director works closely with faculty to understand their interests and works with organizations within Stanford University to determine how to best manage each program. The Executive Director is responsible for developing relationships with companies interested in the Computer Science Department’s research efforts. The Executive Director leads a team of four to facilitate the corporate interactions including affiliate program events. 

The Executive Director is currently responsible for several industrial affiliate programs, including the Stanford Data Science Initiative, and the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Lab Affiliates Program; these responsibilities may change over time. Industrial affiliates programs are corporate membership organizations that facilitate deep engagement for companies with Stanford faculty, students, and their research, enabling communication about real-world problems, opportunities, and innovative solutions. The Executive Director may have other responsibilities such as serving as executive director for programs that are in various stages of maturity. The portfolio of programs currently has more than 20 corporate members, about 50 affiliated faculty, and generates critical funds to help support the university’s research mission in data science, artificial intelligence, and computation.

The Executive Director reports to the Chair of the Computer Science Department. A faculty committee is responsible for overseeing the Executive Director, helping to identify new opportunities and to prioritize or resolve conflicts as needed. The faculty committee will be comprised of the faculty leaders of the relevant affiliate programs (SDSI, SAIL, AI Health, AI Safety, DAWN, and others as appropriate) plus additional faculty to achieve Computer Science Department-wide representation. The Executive Director works closely with Engineering External Relations, Stanford Corporate and Foundation Relations, the Industrial Contracts Office and other stakeholders across campus to leverage their expertise, provide them with timely information about external funding priorities and activities in the Computer Science Department, and ensure that both the letter and spirit of Stanford policies are observed.

Your responsibilities include:

  • Provide leadership direction to assigned staff in the program area and oversee staff with program responsibility.
  • Design, develop, and oversee implementation of the most complex programs. Devise and implement vision, strategy, goals, and resource development in consultation with faculty director. Assess entity/program efficacy. Shape development of research and/or teaching programs. Provide guidance to program staff or instructors.
  • Develop, maintain, and control the financial budget related to program(s); shape financial strategy and long-range financial planning.
  • Lead strategic planning and analysis for complex functions or programs with significant business, regulatory and/or technical challenges requiring subject matter expertise. May oversee development of program from initial concept to implementation.
  • Manage the administration and evaluation of functions or programs. Oversee the interpretation, implementation and compliance with policies and regulations.
  • Recommend actions and/or resolve complex issues that often span organizational boundaries.
  • Represent the program or function at the university level and/or to external constituencies.
  • Develop and manage outreach strategy that includes relationship development, communications, and compliance.
  • Oversee or supervise staff in the development and implementation of functions or programs.
  • Act as the subject matter expert for School/unit and/or the university regarding the interpretation, implementation and compliance with policies and regulations.

* - Other duties may also be assigned

To be successful in this position, you will bring:

  • Advanced degree or combination of relevant education and five or more years relevant experience in your area of specialization and the items listed below. 
  • Program management. The Executive Director has overall responsibility for assuring that all the program elements necessary for success are in place, for the detailed design of those program elements, and for their execution.
  • Interpersonal relations. The Executive Director must have high EQ and interact effectively with corporate employees at all levels particularly senior executives, university faculty, grad students and postdocs, and administrative staff. It is critical to maintain excellent relationships with faculty, particularly by using their time respectfully.
  • Communications. The Executive Director must have a proven ability to write and speak effectively. Working with program staff, the Executive Director is responsible for websites, PowerPoint presentations, participation agreements, brochures, and other communications as well as the contact database.
  • Events. Working with program staff, the Executive Director is responsible for conferences, retreats, and a wide variety of smaller meetings.
  • Member retention. The Executive Director is responsible for understanding, anticipating, and meeting corporate member needs.
  • Member recruiting. The Executive Director is responsible for identifying prospective corporate members, meeting with them, and assisting them in developing relationships with Stanford University.
  • Financial. Working with the Administrative Manager, the Executive Director is responsible for developing budgets and managing income and expenses. The primary source of funds is corporate membership fees. The primary use of funds is funding research. Additional uses of funds include staff salaries and events.
  • Policies and ethics. The Executive Director is responsible for understanding and applying all relevant university policies and must demonstrate the highest integrity with respect to ethical standards and university policies and guidelines.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

  • Experience working at the research intersection of Industry and Academia in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. 
  • Ph.D. preferred in relevant field.
  • May work extended hours, evenings, or weekends.
  • May travel. Occasional overnight travel.
  • Successfully pass a background check (Criminal, Education, Employment Verification).
  • We are unable to provide sponsorship for this position.

Why Stanford is for You

Since its founding, Stanford’s pioneering spirit has embraced new ways of fulfilling its mission of research, education, and service. Today, we face a future of both promise and peril, marked by a breathtaking pace of change. We need new thinking and new approaches to anticipate and navigate this change, in order to deepen knowledge, address challenges and accelerate our contributions to society. By tapping into the wisdom of our campus community, alumni, and outside perspectives, Stanford leadership has developed a vision to guide our shared journey over the next decade and beyond. We seek talent driven to impact the future of Stanford’s legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

  • Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, and course auditing. 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, ride sharing 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 resume along with your online application. Your one-page cover letter should briefly describe your background in customer service, event and project management, and provide examples of your experience with attention to detail, responsiveness, and decision-making.

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 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.

Additional Information

  • Schedule: Full-time
  • Job Code: 4116
  • Employee Status: Regular
  • Grade: L
  • Requisition ID: 88018

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