Associate Director of Research, the Program on Democracy and the Internet
Stanford University
Application
Details
Posted: 20-May-22
Location: Stanford, California
Type: Full-time
Salary: Open
Internal Number: 94500
The School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S) is the center of a world-class liberal arts education at Stanford University. H&S encompasses 23 departments--from Art and Art History, English, and History to Economics, Mathematics, and Biology--as well as 23 interdisciplinary programs. As the university's largest school, H&S serves as the foundation of a Stanford undergraduate education no matter which discipline students pursue as a major. Graduate students work alongside world-renowned faculty to pursue and shape foundational research that leads to breakthroughs and discoveries that shed new light on the past, influence the present, and shape the future. Together, faculty and students in H&S engage in inspirational teaching, learning, and research every day.
The Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society (PACS) is a global interdisciplinary research center and publisher of the Stanford Social Innovation Review (SSIR). Stanford PACS develops and shares knowledge to improve philanthropy, strengthen civil society, and address societal challenges. By creating a shared space for scholars, students, and practitioners, Stanford PACS informs policy and social innovation, philanthropic investment, and nonprofit practice.
The Program on Democracy and the Internet (PDI) is a research initiative co-hosted by the Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society (Stanford PACS) in the School of Humanities and Sciences, and the Stanford Cyber Policy Center at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies. PDI is a multidisciplinary research project that seeks to develop new and authoritative knowledge about how digital technologies are impacting democracy to inform and educate decision-makers in the field, including the next generation of technologists, business leaders, and policymakers.
PDI is seeking an experienced, highly motivated, Associate Director of Research (Social Science Research Scholar) who will work with PDI's appointed Faculty Directors and the Center's research teams to help advance the Program's array of research interests and publication initiatives (ranging from web presence to peer-reviewed scholarship). Reporting to the Center's Faculty Director, the Associate Director of Research will help develop, implement, and administer the vision, strategy, and goals of the Program, while also managing day-to-day research activity and programs. Core responsibilities include strategic planning, research partnership development, and creating proposals and reports for internal and external sponsors.
The ideal candidate will be a creative, motivated individual with experience in social science and policy research, capable of managing a wide array of research projects and programs. Strong planning and execution skills are critical for this position, coupled with excellent communications skills, the ability to work independently to advance the Program's goals as well as to collaborate with staff and researchers (ranging from senior faculty to postdocs, graduate and undergraduate students), and a commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Stanford community.
The ideal candidate will have strong communication and organizational skills along with familiarity with Stanford research and financial administration. Some of the central functions of the role will include:
Support the Faculty Director in managing the Program's research agenda across all projects.
Collaborate with and support internal and external stakeholders, including scholars, students, and other university and community-based networks.
Work with media and marketing teams at PACS and CPC to further PDI's marketing objectives and communication strategies
Design a process for intake and review of research projects for program advancement and grant funding.
Identify intersections among different projects and foster collaborations.
Provide support with grant applications and the writing and/or editing of content for research proposals, event programming, and other activities.
Organizing seminar series, conferences, and meetings;
Lead efforts to expand the reach of the Program, both on campus and within the broader research community.
Contribute to long-range planning processes and program development.
Source, collect and analyze PDI's program data, create reports, review and explain trends; formulate and evaluate alternative solutions and/or recommendations to achieve the goals of the program. Identify, recommend and implement opportunities for new research.
Write and/or edit complex content for proposals, research grants, peer-reviewed publications, and other program activities.
Lead on the communication of the Program's activities and research results to scholarly audiences as well as across PACS and CPC;
Lead Fellowship programs and oversee the recruitment, coordination, and supervision of graduate students and postdocs.
Teach and/or assist in the teaching and administration of courses.
Manage vendors/consultants on specific projects.
Manage project/program budget(s) and coordinate invoice processing with administrative staff.
May oversee interns and other contingent staff; provide staff training in collaboration with PACS/CPC and HR.
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
Strong project management skills.
Ability to develop program partnerships and funding sources.
Excellent oral, written, and analytical skills, exhibiting fluency in area of specialization.
Ability to oversee, mentor, and direct staff and students.
Basic knowledge of managing budgets and developing project plans.
Demonstrated ability to operate in a service-oriented way, with dedication, follow-through, and team spirit.
Demonstrated attention to detail, critical analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Demonstrated planning and organizational skills.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, as a self-starter, and collaboratively as part of a team.
Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of persons.
The position requires a PhD, in a social science discipline; a record of early-career scholarly or related writing and a demonstrated interest in topics related to philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. We seek applicants who wish to join an academic community that values rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives and experiences.
This is a two-year, fixed term position.
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 classifications 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 their 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.
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?
