Strategic Associate Director, Academic Operations

SLAC; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 118,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

18+ PTO days per year

Health benefits

Flexible work options

Tuition and training assistance

403(b) plan

Mental health and wellness programs

Free or discounted commuter benefits

Job summary

Stanford University’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences seeks an Associate Director of Operations (Academic Operations Manager 1) to lead facilities, administrative services, onboarding, and process improvements in a complex academic setting.

This hybrid role combines strategic operational leadership with hands-on management, supervising staff and coordinating budgets, grants, and contracts to support faculty, staff, trainees and research programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of relevant administrative/financial management experience.
• Strong supervisory, planning, and organizational skills.
• Experience with grants and contract administration.
• Ability to analyze processes and improve operations.
• Knowledge of budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting.
• Attention to detail and effective communication.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations for assigned units and supervise staff.
• Guide faculty supervisors on HR policies and procedures.
• Evaluate processes and lead improvement initiatives.
• Analyze staffing, facilities, health and safety, finance, and admin needs.
• Interpret and ensure compliance with university policies.
• Manage annual budget across all sources, forecasting and reporting.
• Coordinate grants and contracts compliance.
• Represent unit’s business and academic operations.
• Oversee student and faculty program administration.

Skills

Supervisory skills

Planning & organization

Budgeting & forecasting

Grants & contracts

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Management software

Regulatory knowledge

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Stanford University’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences seeks an Associate Director of Operations (Academic Operations Manager 1) to lead facilities, administrative services, onboarding, and process improvements in a complex academic setting.

This hybrid role combines strategic operational leadership with hands-on management, supervising staff and coordinating budgets, grants, and contracts to support faculty, staff, trainees and research programs.