Event & Special Programs Manager - Stanford, United States - InsideHigherEd

Description

The Stanford Accelerator for Learning seeks a full-time highly skilled and motivated Event & Special Programs Manager to join our efforts in advancing Stanford's purposeful impact in the world. The Event & Special Programs Manager will oversee a large and evolving portfolio of engagements that foster innovation, collaboration, and learning among researchers, educators, industry leaders, community partners, and policy makers. If you are passionate about event management and want to take an active role in shaping the future of learning, we invite you to apply and be part of our dynamic team.

Note: This is a 2-year fixed term position that may be renewed subject to funding and operational need. This position is based on Stanford's Main Campus and will be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement (minimum 2-3 days in the office per week). Interested applicants should include a resume and cover letter describing why they are interested in this position at this stage in their career.

Who We Are:

Housed at the 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 systems change & policy.

Events are strategic for the Stanford Accelerator for Learning as they foster collaboration and innovation by bringing together researchers, practitioners, innovators and policy makers from diverse backgrounds to exchange ideas, co-design solutions, and drive educational advancements.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Executive Director of Stanford Accelerator for Learning, the Event & Special Programs Manager will work collaboratively across teams to produce high-quality, logistically precise events and programs that aim to bridge education research, practice, and policy for a diverse constituency of faculty, students, affiliates, and industry partners. Typical events include multi-day conferences, symposia, and large-scale engagements that raise the visibility and impact of Stanford's ground-breaking research on the future of learning. The Event & Special Programs Manager will work closely in partnership with various departments at the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, the Graduate School of Education and other schools, institutes and centers at Stanford University, as well as external collaborators, therefore must demonstrate a highly collaborative, proactive, and resourceful approach to leadership and project management.

Key responsibilities include:

●Develop, plan, and execute events, workshops, convenings, and other programs in coordination with the accelerator team, with a focus on large convenings (with hundreds of participants across seven schools at Stanford and external participants).

●Coordinate all aspects of event logistics, including venue selection, vendor management, budgeting, scheduling, and on-site day-of-event coordination.

●Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless execution of high-quality event experiences.

●Implement event marketing strategies to attract participants and promote the accelerator's programs effectively.

●Coordinate and manage accelerator team members and other Stanford schools to execute event preparation and staffing for events.

●Collaborate with the Stanford Accelerator for Learning team to design and develop innovative and engaging educational programs that align with the accelerator's objectives.

●Identify and invite relevant speakers, experts, and thought leaders to contribute to the program content.

●Stay updated on the latest trends and advancements in education to ensure the program's relevance.

●Foster relationships with key stakeholders, including Stanford University faculty and staff, educators, advocates, policy makers, entrepreneurs, funders, and industry professionals.

●Engage with participants, mentors, and alumni to understand their needs and provide exceptional support and networking opportunities.

●Cultivate partnerships with external organizations to enhance the accelerator's visibility and access to resources.

●Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and adherence to financial guidelines.

●Negotiate and compare contracts with vendors and suppliers to achieve cost-effective event solutions.

●Track expenses, submit contracts, process invoices, and prepare financial reports related to events and programs.

●Collect feedback from participants, mentors, and stakeholders to assess the impact and effectiveness of events and programs.

●Analyze event metrics and data to generate insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.

●Prepare comprehensive reports on event outcomes, including attendance, participant satisfaction, and key learnings.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

●Bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience in hospitality, business administration, or related field, or combination of education and experience.

●Superior project and event management skills, with the ability to prioritize, manage complex workflows, and meet tight deadlines.

●Ability to manage a diverse team of staff and contingent labor, holding them to deadlines and highest quality output.

●Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders.

●Demonstrated experience with financial management of complex event budgets requiring analytical skills.

●Ability to accomplish goals working independently and as part of a team, demonstrating diplomacy and tactfulness.

●Demonstrated high level of confidence in making strategic decisions, good judgment, and innovative and creative problem solving.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

●Familiarity with education trends is highly desirable.

●Event planning and management experience in education or technology industry

●Proficiency in event management software, project management tools, and Microsoft Office Suite, Cvent, Mailchimp, Google forms.

The expected pay range for this position is $77,100 to $117,000 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 () 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 enrich 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, and course auditing. 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 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 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.

• Schedule: Full-time
• Job Code: 4884
• Employee Status: Fixed-Term
• Grade: I
• Requisition ID: 103018
• Work Arrangement : Hybrid Eligible