Associate Director of Research and Scholar Programs, Stanford PACS

Stanford, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 10/20/2023

The School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S) is the foundation of a liberal arts education at Stanford. The school encompasses 23 departments and 25 interdisciplinary programs. H&S is home to fundamental and applied research, where free, open, and critical inquiry is pursued across disciplines. As the university’s largest school, H&S is 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 strengthen civil society, improve philanthropy, and effect social change. By creating a shared space for scholars and practitioners, Stanford PACS informs nonprofit practice, philanthropic investment, public policy, and social innovation.


Stanford PACS is home to 9 different research programs led by faculty members across multiple disciplines and schools. Research programs cover a wide range of topics focused on solving social problems, ranging from challenges to civic life and democratic norms, particularly in the digital era, to sustainable development, climate change, and effective philanthropy to support efforts across such areas. Affiliated faculty and scholars teach courses and seminars for undergraduates, masters, and Ph.D. students on related topics.


Additionally, Stanford PACS offers PhD and postdoctoral fellowships to scholars conducting promising new research that will advance the study of civil society and effective philanthropy. Postdoctoral and PhD Fellows, alongside other PhD students and visiting scholars, participate in a year-long, multidisciplinary workshop–the flagship scholar program–allowing participants to share and strengthen their scholarship. Stanford PACS also hosts a quarterly Faculty Forum, to learn from more senior scholars and an annual Junior Scholars Forum that brings together researchers—including graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty—from leading universities around the world to enhance the quality and visibility of research on civil society and philanthropy.


Stanford PACS seeks an Associate Director of Research and Scholar Programs who is responsible for implementing and strengthening the above programs, as well as identifying new opportunities to expand and strengthen scholar and research-to-practice programs. The Associate Director will lead efforts to provide a transformative experience to the Stanford PACS scholar community and will provide exceptional and personalized support to faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students, and staff in all aspects of our scholar programs.


The position requires a demonstrated interest in topics related to civil society, philanthropy, civic engagement, and social innovation, and experience designing and leading scholar programs, academic convenings, and engagements that bridge research and practice. The ideal candidate must be an excellent collaborator with an ability to work across disciplinary and sectoral boundaries, contribute to team efforts and own team outcomes, be reliable and curious to learn, enjoy having a variety of daily responsibilities, have a positive and inclusive approach to teamwork, and help create a thriving culture and scholar community.


The Associate Director of Research and Scholar Programs will report to the Executive Director. This position is a two-year fixed term position. This position will be based on the Stanford campus and will be considered for an option of telecommuting (hybrid of working on-site and off-site), subject to operational need.


Core Duties*:

  • Manage scholar programs (50%)

o Manage the year-long flagship PACS Workshop, working closely with the Faculty Director(s) to design the syllabus, organize and disseminate course materials, coordinate convening logistics, and support the intellectual and social vibrancy of the workshop community

o Lead the PhD Fellowship, including marketing, selection process, mentorship of, and reporting on PhD Fellows, and strategic engagement with their faculty advisors

o Lead the Small Grants Program, including marketing, selection process, management, and reporting on the grant recipients and research outcomes

o In close coordination with Faculty Directors, support the implementation of scholar forums, including the quarterly Faculty Forum and as well as other strategic convenings that build community and strengthen scholarship around philanthropy and civil society, e.g. book festival, annual Junior Scholars Forum, other alumni scholar events, possible issue-area and/or geographic specific convenings like the Sustainability conference.

  • Research (50%)

o Contribute to ongoing scholarly research in PACS labs on civil society, philanthropy, civic engagement, and social innovation that align with areas of interest and expertise and that support the research programs of PACS faculty that advance PACS research program

o Support the Global Civil Society and Sustainability Lab’s World Education Reform Database (WERD) project by serving as the main point person for training, supporting, and supervising undergraduate Ras. Support ongoing engagement with external partners.

o Collaborate on academic publications that advance PACS research program

o Participate in lab research meetings

o Participate in research workshops and conferences

  • Other duties may also be assigned.

Education and Experience:

Graduate degree in a social science-related field and five years of applicable experience, or combination of education and relevant experience in an applicable social science. Doctoral degree, preferably in an area of research related to the topic(s) of civil society, civic engagement, philanthropy, social sector, nonprofits, and/or social innovation; and a minimum of 5 years of relevant strategic leadership and/or program management experience highly preferred.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Expert level knowledge and skills in field of science related to research project.
  • General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.
  • Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.
  • Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
  • Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
  • Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work with human study participants.
  • Supervisory skills.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

  • Significant experience with academic research and working within an academic institution
  • Significant experience facilitating educational programs and events
  • Experience in the social and/or philanthropic sectors
  • Demonstrated ability to take initiative and manage multiple projects
  • Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines with minimal guidance and complete detailed work accurately
  • Creative problem solver with strong critical thinking skills
  • Exceptional relationship management skills
  • Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills
  • Creative, adaptable, and entrepreneurial, with a bias for action
  • Experience planning and executing large-scale conferences and events
  • Supervisory experience
  • Prior experience in planning and managing program budgets

The expected pay range for this position is $77,000 to $106,000 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 enriched 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 options to audit courses. 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.

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