For full consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume along with your online application.
Stanford University is one of the world's premier academic and research institutions, devoting tremendous intellectual and physical resources toward the betterment of humanity. As a major Bay Area employer, Stanford seeks people committed to excellence and to improving our world. In turn, the university is committed to supporting its employees as they develop their careers and enrich their lives. We believe Stanford's future success will be shaped by the diverse perspectives, unique experiences, and inclusive culture of its community.
Founded in 1892 by the first graduating class, the Stanford Alumni Association (SAA) has a mission to reach, serve and engage all Stanford alumni and students; to foster a lifelong intellectual and emotional connection between the university and its graduates; and to provide the university with goodwill and support. SAA believes that diversity and excellence go hand-in-hand and hires individuals with a commitment to working effectively with colleagues and alumni from diverse backgrounds.
JOB PURPOSE:
SAA is seeking an intellectually curious, lifelong learner to lead our alumni education team to bring best-of-class programs to 227,000 alumni worldwide. This position provides leadership on new and current alumni relations programs and projects for the Alumni Education department. SAA is interested in expanding the audience, programs and formats for its educational programming and is looking for a leader who will enjoy creative collaboration across the organization. They will develop strategies, conduct program evaluation and marketing analysis, and link strategies to business and departmental objectives.
The Alumni Education team connects alumni to the intellectual vibrancy of Stanford, promoting interesting and relevant content for life after graduation. Some of the existing programs are highlighted on the Stanford Alumni Learn page. The director maintains a comprehensive expertise about Stanford faculty, academic programs, business goals and initiatives across the entire university.
A highly cross-functional role, the ideal candidate will possess a strategic mindset, project management skills, curiosity, a sense of humor, a can-do attitude and a team-oriented approach. Within the Alumni Relations group, this position reports to the Vice President for Alumni Relations and leads a small, but mighty team.
In this role you will:
Manage operations of alumni education department
Manage, recruit, coach and develop alumni relations staff providing them with supervision, guidance and mentoring in goal setting, performance management, skill building and professional growth.
Identify and collaborate with faculty, highlighting the best of Stanford research and teaching for Stanford alumni.
Set departmental budget, goals, and objectives in alignment with organizational goals.
Communicate mission to faculty, staff, volunteers, and alumni.
Evaluate and monitor trends for effectiveness of activities and segments.
Develop strategic department plans, policies, and procedures for alumni education virtual and in person programs and events.
Develop strategies and implement outreach programs that enhance the university's reputation and visibility.
Manage faculty speakers for Stanford Sierra Camp, Reunion Micro Lectures, Classes Without Quizzes and premier programs such as STARS Assembly and Graduate Alumni Day.
Provide leadership and support on issues/projects related to university alumni initiatives.
Research alumni education trends for engagement potential and make recommendations for the department.
Oversee department best practices, ensuring a consistently positive experience for faculty volunteers and alumni
Collaborate with campus partners.
Occasionally work nights or weekends to staff alumni events; minimal local and domestic travel.
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
Bachelor's degree and seven years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
Excellent strategic, organizational and project management skills and the ability to simultaneously plan and execute multiple projects.
Strong interpersonal, team and leadership skills; tact and flexibility in working with diverse population groups.
Experience working with cross-functional teams.
Strong management skills, including coaching and developing staff.
Strong track record as relationship builder and collaborator.
Strong ability to understand alumni needs, show good judgment and diplomacy, and a high tolerance for ambiguity.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with decision makers across many levels of an organization.
Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills.
In addition, preferred requirements include:
Ability to translate academic information into clear, accurate, and engaging prose
Experience with speaker management, coaching or coordination, particularly with faculty or high level administrators
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.
*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 the 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.
Note: Not all unique aspects of the job are covered by this job description
Why work at Stanford?Stanford University has changed the world, over and over again.We are one of Silicon Valley's largest employers - and also one of the most unique. Our mission is to educate future leaders and promote interdisciplinary, world-class research and teaching. This passion makes Stanford an intensely creative, rewarding, and challenging place to work. At the same time, our traditions of respect and collaboration sustain a humane, supportive environment in which to pursue your life and your career.At Stanford you'll work with bright, diverse, dedicated people. You'll find encouragement to learn and grow. You'll enjoy excellent benefits and an outstanding environment. How will it change you?
