Stanford

The Stanford Accelerator for Learning is seeking a full-time Director, Strategic Planning and Operations, who will play a central role in advancing the mission and day-to-day operations of the Accelerator. As a trusted advisor to the Executive Director, the Director of Strategic Planning and Operations, will coordinate strategic planning processes, align resources and institutional goals, and foster a workplace culture grounded in collaboration, accountability, and inclusion. This position offers a unique opportunity to work across disciplines and functions, ensuring that SAL’s initiatives are cohesive, well-supported, and positioned for long-term success. If you’re eager to work alongside world-class researchers and practitioners to create pathways for equitable learning opportunities, we encourage you to apply.

NOTE: The Director for Strategic Planning and Operations role is based on Stanford’s main campus. This position is fixed term, renewable upon performance and funding. Candidates must be eligible to work in the US. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

ABOUT US

The Stanford Accelerator for Learning, based at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, is a dynamic hub that brings together researchers, educators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to design and implement equitable learning solutions that are both effective and scalable. By drawing on Stanford’s unparalleled expertise in brain science, learning research, data, and technology, the Stanford Accelerator for Learning works to tackle the most pressing challenges in education today, turning new discoveries into real-world impact.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director for Strategic Planning and Operations will work closely with functional leads in finance, administration, communications, and events, and across the Stanford Accelerator for Learning’s portfolios of excellence, to ensure its operations support its strategic goals. This role requires a proactive leader who can identify emerging needs, connect ideas with people, and inspire teams to excel. While the immediate focus of the position is on coordination and facilitation, the role is designed for growth, with potential to assume expanded leadership responsibilities as the Stanford Accelerator for Learning evolves.

Primary responsibilities will include:

Strategic Planning and Alignment

• Coordinate strategic planning efforts in collaboration with the Executive Director, ensuing alignment across the Stanford Accelerator for Learning’s portfolio of initiatives and projects.
• Develop success metrics and monitor progress toward objectives focused on equity, scalability, and impact.

Operational Coordination

• Collaborate with functional leads to ensure Stanford Accelerator for Learning’s operational systems effectively support research projects, events, communications, and initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and help implement solutions that foster efficiency and cross-functional collaboration.

Financial Oversight Support

• Assist with budget planning and resource allocation in partnership with the Executive Director and finance partners.
• Support financial monitoring, reporting, and analysis to ensure alignment with strategic priorities, stewardship, and financial sustainability.

Culture and Team Development

• Promote an inclusive, positive, and joyful workplace culture where staff feel connected to the mission and empowered in their work.
• Mentor junior staff, offering guidance to support their growth and contributions.
• Lead regular staff meetings that encourage open dialogue, shared learning, and alignment on goals and initiatives.
• Coordinate professional development and team-building activities that strengthen relationships and community.

Stakeholder and Partner Engagement

• Support relationship-building efforts with internal and external partners, including faculty, staff, donors, and collaborators across and beyond Stanford.
• Contribute to fundraising activities through proposal coordination and donor engagement activities.

Policy and Compliance Coordination

• Serve as a point of coordination for policy and compliance-related matters, working with subject matter experts within GSE to ensure Stanford Accelerator for Learning’s activities meet institutional standards.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

Success in this role requires a blend of strategic insight and operational know-how. You will need the ability to see the big picture—understanding how diverse initiatives and stakeholders intersect—while managing the details that keep daily operations running smoothly. A proactive mindset, strong problem-solving skills, and the capacity to lead through influence will be critical as you help SAL grow and adapt with evolving priorities. Strong relationship-building abilities, a commitment to equity and inclusion, and financial acumen round out the qualities that will help you thrive in this position.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education and experience:

Bachelor’s degree and eight years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to influence and motivate constituencies which could span multiple organizational boundaries.
• Demonstrated excellent planning, organizational and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound business decisions using good business judgment and innovative and creative problem-solving.
• Demonstrated ability to manage financial, organizational and staff resources.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills with the ability to cultivate professional and business partnerships.
• Relevant subject matter expertise.

In addition, preferred qualifications include:

• Advanced degree (e.g., MBA, EdD, PhD) in education, business, or a related discipline.10+ years of professional experience in education innovation, philanthropy, or a related field.
• Familiarity with AI, learning sciences, or education technology.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning and organizational development.

Physical Requirements*:

• Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Frequently stand/walk, sitting, grasp tightly/fine manipulation
• Occasionally use a telephone
• Rarely lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh 11-20 pounds

Work Standards:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

The expected pay range for this position is $153,748 - $190,000 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:

Stanford’s dedicated 16,000+ staff, who come from diverse educational and career backgrounds. We are a collaborative environment that thrives on innovation and continuous improvement. At Stanford, we seek talent committed to excellence, driven to impact the future of our legacy, and improve lives on a global scale. We provide market competitive salaries, excellent health care and retirement plans, and a generous vacation policy, including additional time off during our winter closure. Our unique perks align with what matters to you:

• Freedom to grow. As part of one of the greatest intellectual center in the world, take advantage of development programs, tuition reimbursement plus $800 you receive annually towards skill-building classes, or audit a Stanford course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or leader discuss global issues.
• A caring culture. We understand the importance of your personal and family time and provide you access to wellness programs, child-care resources, parent education and consultation, elder care and caregiving support
• A healthier you. We make wellness a priority by providing access to world-class exercise facilities. Climb our rock wall, or participate in one of hundreds of health or fitness classes
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums. Create an avatar and participate in virtual reality adventures or join one with fellow staff on Stanford vacations!
• Enviable resources. We offer free commuter programs and ridesharing incentives. Enjoy discounts for computing, cell phones, outdoor recreation, travel, entertainment, and more.

We pride ourselves in being a culture that encourages and empowers you.

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 accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources at stanfordelr@stanford.edu. For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form.

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.

HOW TO APPLY:

We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button. To be considered, you must submit a cover letter and résumé along with your online application.Finalist must successfully complete a background check prior to working at Stanford University.This is a fixed-term position with an end date of one year and is renewable based on performance and funding.Candidates must be eligible to work in the US. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time
• Job Code: 4123
• Employee Status: Fixed-Term
• Grade: K
• Requisition ID: 106416
• Work Arrangement : On Site

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