Associate Director, Strategy & Curricular Support

Stanford University; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Stanford University—Stanford Graduate School of Business seeks an Associate Director of Strategy & Curricular Support. The role blends program management and academic advising for MBA/MSx cohorts.

You’ll analyze data to inform decisions, advise students on curriculum and policies, and support onboarding and co-curricular initiatives. The position is hybrid, onsite 3–5 days weekly, with a salary of $115,000 to $130,000 annually.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; five years of relevant experience preferred.
• Advanced communication skills to convey complex info clearly to diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem solving abilities with data-driven insights.

Responsibilities

• Manage and evolve co-curricular programs central to the GSB student experience.
• Advise students using sound judgment and deep knowledge of degree requirements and policies.
• Analyze data to formulate actionable improvements and recommendations.

Skills

Advanced communication

Analytical thinking

Customer service

Financial transactions understanding

Regulatory compliance

Policy knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) seeks an Associate Director, Strategy & Curricular Support. The Associate Director is a key member of the MBA & MSx Programs team and is responsible for managing and/or supporting co-curricular student programs. The candidate should demonstrate proven experience analyzing and evaluating business metrics, both quantitative and qualitative, and translating findings into actionable information. The specific portfolio will be shaped by the needs of the department and the strengths of the successful candidate, with the expectation that responsibilities can evolve over time. In addition to program management, the Associate Director will serve as an academic advisor to a cohort of students, guiding them to meet Program requirements. The advising portion of the role involves working collaboratively with the team of academic advisors; developing in-depth knowledge of GSB courses and degree requirements, curriculum structure, faculty and student needs, and the policies, processes, and resources available at the GSB. Insights gained through advising will in turn inform program management and continual improvement of the student experience. To succeed in this role, you will have successfully influenced decision making and delivered positive outcomes to an organization through strategic analysis and stellar communication. The ideal candidate will have the ability to synthesize insights, perform data analysis as needed, identify trends and make recommendations to key stakeholders. An MBA (or demonstrated equivalent experience) is strongly preferred. Those successful in this role will require a flexible mindset to navigate special projects as assigned. Duties unique to this position: Manage and evolve co-curricular program(s) that are central to the GSB student academic experience. Advise students using excellent judgment and ability with navigating the grey zone. Analyze data and formulate actionable improvements and recommendations using software tools (e.g. Excel, Powerpoint, Google Workspace, Qualtrics, Canvas and Salesforce). Lead and/or support Start-of-School onboarding initiative(s) and activities for new GSB students. This position is hybrid with the expectation of being onsite 3-5 days per week. The budgeted salary for this position is $115,000 to $130,000 annualized. Responsibilities Core Duties:

• Manage an area or program in student services, analyze effectiveness, and make final decisions on program eligibility.
• Engage in critical analysis and evaluation of student and program concerns to resolve substantial issues which may span multiple areas, using advanced technical and professional knowledge.
• Develop and implement programming (virtual, in-person), make strategic recommendations for future programs.
• Interpret and implement university policy related to academic policies; oversee the implementation of policies and practices for a student population or school.
• Analyze and develop report requirements, portals, and student facing communications.
• Evaluate and determine recommendations on technology resources, negotiate with resources options and vendors.
• Manage outreach programs, relationships with external community and university liaisons.
• Provide direct advice to students on a broad range of complex issues including, but not limited to, academic progress, academic program policies, career plans, accessibility, community standards, etc., in order to assist them in making appropriate choices and decisions.
• Apprise students of research, fellowship and scholarship opportunities, make recommendations and may award grants.
• May contribute to preparing and submitting training grants.
• May assist in development efforts to support donor relations, stewardship annual reporting.
• Provide consulting advice to internal and external organizations; act as subject matter expert in a specialized field.
• Oversee key processes, including contribution and direction on policy and program content.
• Manage financial processes and development of budgets.
• May lead teams and projects that impact a significant unit of the university.
• May direct the work of other staff; contribute to development of staff training programs.

Minimum Education and Experience:

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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Advanced communication skills to clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences, client groups, and all levels of management.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills to review and analyze complex information.
• Advanced computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Advanced customer service skills.
• Relevant computer systems/technology experience.
• Understanding of financial transactions.
• Ability to ensure and apply compliance with legal, financial, and university policies and external regulations.