Managing Director at Stanford University

SCHOOL/UNIT DESCRIPTION:

The Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology is a joint institute of Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and the home for astrophysics and cosmology research at Stanford under the Vice Provost and Dean of Research (VPDoR). KIPAC is a dynamic and growing community of more than 200 people, including faculty, staff, postdoctoral fellows, and students, who are engaged in answering the biggest questions about how the universe works. In realizing our mission, our staff is critical to supporting our organization’s goals and enabling Stanford faculty, staff, postdocs, and students to accomplish their mission of conducting cutting-edge research at the forefront of our understanding of the universe, training the next generation of researchers, and sharing our discoveries with the public. Learn more about our community here: https://kipac.stanford.edu/.

We hope that you will join us in our mission and strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Our VPDoR Diversity Journey:

• We create a hub of innovation through the power of diversity of disciplines and people.
• We provide equitable access and opportunity to all members of the community in order to do their best work, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• We listen to and value all colleagues who bring diverse perspectives to the advancement and development of a respectful community.
• We promote a culture of belonging, equity, and safety.
• We embed these values in excellence of education, research, and operation.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology (KIPAC) at Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is seeking a Managing Director to join our team and oversee the success of the entire KIPAC community.

The Managing Director serves as the senior administrator for the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology and reports to the Director of the Institute. They will be a key participant in strategic planning and process development, in partnership with the Director of the Institute and other faculty leadership. This position will supervise and manage technical and administrative staff to achieve the research, training, and outreach mission and the goals and objectives of the unit, and advise faculty leadership on institute affairs. They will provide leadership, guidance, and oversight of all administrative and operational functions, with substantial impact within the organization. These programs and functions include grant programs, training and fellowship programs, and public engagement programs; financial planning, reporting, and administration; hiring and development of administrative staff; and communications, facilities, and space management.

This position is well suited for a person driven to proactively solve problems and implement effective practices that enable the community to meet its ambitious goals. This will include bringing significant science-informed judgment to designing and effectively managing these programs.

The managing director supports the Senior Associate Dean for Finance and Administration in VPDoR for all compliance issues, including, but not limited to, finance and human resources.

KIPAC's research and training programs bridge both Stanford and SLAC, requiring the Managing Director to proactively develop effective operational strategies that address the diverse needs of this interdisciplinary institute and its members. They will have oversight and fiduciary responsibility for managing KIPAC's operations and administrative staff. The managing director serves as KIPAC’s principal administrative liaison and represents KIPAC’s interests with other Stanford offices and organizations (including the Office of the Vice Provost and Dean of Research, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, and the schools and departments of participating faculty) and with external individuals and organizations.

The Managing Director works collaboratively with the Director, Steering Committee, Leadership Team, and the other senior staff and faculty at the institute in developing and implementing strategic goals and objectives, including:

• Supporting the successful development and implementation of strategic plans.
• Providing overall strategic leadership, direction, and implementation on all administrative functions.
• Translating concepts into effective actions.
• Identifying creative ways to adapt the institute’s structure, staffing, services, and programs to meet its organizational needs.
• Continuing to build a vibrant, inclusive community.

CORE DUTIES:

• Provide strategy and vision; make decisions that establish objectives for the overall direction or operation of a significant project(s) or area(s).
• Manage staff of a large science, engineering, and/or technical research area, which includes recruiting, hiring, developing, evaluating and setting priorities; manage business, technical, and educational activities for direct reports, including managers and technical experts.
• Establish, oversee, and manage financials and schedule for a large program and multiple projects.
• Serve as a liaison to high-level internal and external stakeholders, including senior leaders, cross-functional areas, and external organizations such as sponsors and government agencies.
• Identify, clarify, and resolve issues with strategic impact and substantial significance, which span multiple areas and require broad discretion and judgment.
• Use advanced technical and professional knowledge to make strategic decisions that impact the functioning and impact of the organization.
• Develop policies and procedures as they relate to academic or program activities.
• Collaborate with others on the direction of activities relevant to long-term objectives. Develop strategies to ensure effective achievement of objectives.
• Implement, evaluate, and maintain quality control standards to ensure program success.
• Negotiate with internal departments and external agencies with authority to commit resources and effort.
• Recommend the adoption of emerging technologies and the development of new methods and approaches.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

Advanced degree and at least eight years of relevant experience, including management and financial experience. PhD in physics, astronomy, or a related field, or equivalent experience is strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to resolve complex issues quickly and make decisions that meet university objectives in a collaborative culture.
• Experience leading, managing, motivating, and developing technical and administrative staff.
• Experience leading complex scientific, engineering, or technical research projects or programs.
• Detailed understanding of relevant business and technical knowledge and problem resolution.
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with others.
• Exceptional consensus-building skills.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies, trends, methodologies, and resource management principles.
• Ability to synthesize and articulate technical and scientific methodologies, specifications, and information.
• Ability to influence and establish effective working relationships in a diverse environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Frequently perform desk based computer tasks, seated work, use a telephone and use light/ fine grasping.
• Occasionally write by hand, lift, carry, push pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
• Rarely stand, walk, sort, and file paperwork or parts.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• May require extended hours, evenings and weekends.

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.