Project Management Specialist Jobs

The Stanford Accelerator for Learning seeks a full-time Project Management Specialist to serve as the principal organizing force in designing and implementing strategic projects, learnings, and innovative solutions, leveraging latest technologies and sciences. This is a unique opportunity to build a large and ambitious initiative. If you are highly strategic, enjoy working across multiple projects and initiatives, are passionate about education, and want a front row seat for projects that will shape the future of learning, this position may be for you!
This position is based on Stanford’s main campus and will be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement (partly in-person, partly remote). Interested applicants should include a resume and cover letter describing why they are interested in this position at this stage in their career. Applications will be reviewed the first week of August for first-round interviews. Our intention is to fill this position by early September 2023.
Note: This is a 1-year fixed term position that may be renewed subject to funding and operational need.
About Us
Housed at Stanford Graduate School of Education, the Stanford Accelerator for Learning is the first university-wide initiative connecting scholars across disciplines and with external partners to bridge research, innovation, practice, and policy, and bring quality scalable and equitable learning experiences to all learners, throughout the lifespan. The Stanford Accelerator for Learning focuses on learning challenges most in need of new discoveries, evidence, and solutions and where we believe Stanford can make the most difference. Those include: adult learning, digital learning, early childhood education and development, equity in learning, learning differences, and policy & system change.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Executive Director for the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, the Project Management Specialist will manage critical projects and initiatives from original concept through final implementation with limited guidance; and coordinate all activities on assigned projects. As a key member of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning operations team, the Project Management Specialist will work closely with Stanford faculty and staff to build partnerships with education organizations and practitioners, including schools, educators, policy makers, funders, NGOs, and the edtech sector.

Primary Responsibilities Will Include
Project Management and Oversight:

• Perform the full range of the project management cycle: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing, across a variety of internal Stanford and external collaborative initiatives in education.
• May manage more than one large project simultaneously.

Strategic Planning

• Collaborate with executive director, faculty directors, faculty affiliates, staff and students to develop action plans and estimate requirements for resources.
• Ensure project alignment with organizational goals and objectives, including execution of internal convenings, seed grants, learning challenges, education entrepreneurship hub and accelerator studio programs.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as a liaison between the Stanford Accelerator for Learning teams to facilitate discussions, negotiations, problem-solving, and information sharing and drive recommendation consensus within scope of responsibility.

External Stakeholder Engagement And Relationship Management

• Working closely with the Executive Director, build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including educational institutions, policymakers, industry/edtech partners, and community organizations.
• Identify and prioritize stakeholder needs, ensuring their considerations are incorporated into education innovation initiatives.

Data Analysis And Decision Support

• Develop and present reports and recommendations, providing insights and actionable intelligence.
• Monitor industry trends, research, and emerging practices to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.
• Collect, analyze, and synthesize data related to the Stanford Accelerator for Learning’s priorities, and track impact.

Operational Efficiency And Process Improvement

• Streamline processes, workflows, and communication channels to optimize organizational performance.
• Develop and implement performance metrics and tracking systems to monitor progress and drive accountability.
• Identify areas for operational improvement and implement strategies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

To Be Successful In This Role, You Will Bring
We are looking for someone who has deep knowledge and field experience with managing complex projects and being resourceful in an academic atmosphere. The ideal candidate will also have the capacity to foster collaboration across initiatives and teams to ensure synergy and alignment. The individual in this role will help build and maintain partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, and education partners, so strong stakeholder management and communications skills are critical. Ongoing success in the role will require an intellectual vitality and sense of possibility involving the intersection of learning with emerging science and technologies.
Minimum Education And Experience Requirements Include

• The ability to productively initiate, plan, and execute projects, and assemble, engage, and lead cross-functional teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 5 years of related experience in management of projects, including large/complex project planning and execution, ideally with demonstrated experience in the education sector, or a combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated resilience, diplomacy, influence, relationship building, and problem-solving skills in a variety of situations.
• Demonstrated project management ability to employ integration, scope time management, cost, quality, human resources, communication, risk, and procurement components, preferably in an education consulting, edtech fund or similar professional services firm.
• Highly effective written and oral communication skills to address a wide variety of audiences.
• Depth of knowledge in related fields, broadly defined to include education, innovation, social justice work or philanthropy.

In Addition, Preferred Qualifications Include

• Empathy - Genuinely seeks to understand and respects other perspectives from academia, educators, policy makers/advocates and private sector innovators and funders.
• Commitment to justice, diversity, equity & inclusion and a passion for improving lives through learning.
• Strategic and analytical thinking - The ability to analyze a situation and provide data for decision making.
• Demonstrated competencies in the following areas:
• Creativity - Consistently generates and employs original ideas for themselves and for others, tackling both simple and complex problems.
• Proficiency in project management software and tools for planning, tracking, and reporting.
• Initiative - The ability to manage individual projects with limited oversight; ability to exercise independent thinking and judgment.
• 7-10 years of professional experience in education public or private sectors, strategy consulting, edtech sector or investing.
• Strong understanding of the education sector, including current trends, challenges, and best practices.

The expected pay range for this position is $139 - 166k 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
Our Unique Perks Align With What Matters To 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.
Freedom to grow. As one of the greatest intellectual hubs 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.
Successful candidates will be required to complete a background check prior to working at Stanford University.
Candidates must be eligible to work in the US. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Consistent with obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with any disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
Stanford is an equal opportunity 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 another other characteristic protected by law.