This position is based on Stanford’s main campus with consideration given to the option for a hybrid work schedule (partially onsite and offsite), subject to operational need. Interested candidates must include a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.
About Us
The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability strives to create a future when humans and nature thrive in concert and in perpetuity. The school is made up of a three-part structure to drive global impact: Our academic departments and programs educate students and create new knowledge across areas of research that are crucial for advancing the long-term prosperity of the planet and people; Institutes bridge scholarship at Stanford and beyond, bringing multiple viewpoints to bear on urgent challenges; The Sustainability Accelerator drives new policy and technology solutions through a worldwide network of partners who work with our teams to develop solutions at a global scale. The school is dedicated to creating and supporting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, and to creating solutions that benefit all people, particularly those most affected by environmental damage and climate change.
For more information on the school, click here.
The Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment is working toward a future in which societies meet people’s needs for water, food, health, and other vital services while sustaining the planet. Part of the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, we bring together Stanford faculty, researchers, and students from all seven schools, fostering research collaborations that can tackle challenges too complex for any one discipline to solve alone.
The Woods Institute is seeking a self-motivated and independent Program Manager, on the policy & engagement team, reporting to the Director, Policy & Engagement. The Program Manager engages with the California policy community and fosters relationships with collaborators. The Program Manager uses exceptional writing skills and knowledge of current policy topics to translate complex scientific processes and findings for non-academic and non-scientific audiences and policy makers. They are experienced in program management and are responsible for all aspects of the Rising Environmental Leaders Program (RELP) including recruitment, promotion, managing the selection process, designing and organizing workshops, selecting speakers etc. If you are passionate about interacting with the next generation of environmental leaders; have an understanding of a related scientific field, such as environmental science or sustainability; have knowledge of the federal and/or state policy process; and are a strong communicator, this may be the opportunity for you. The Program Manager must be able to travel periodically to Sacramento and Washington DC.
Your Responsibilities will include:
- Identify, cultivate, and facilitate opportunities for Woods faculty to make meaningful contributions to policy decisions by meeting and speaking with key policy influencers, attending government meetings and events, and sharing Stanford research.
- Develop new and cultivate existing relationships with potential collaborators and/or strategic alliances. Create targeted lists of relevant elected officials, key CA Assembly committees, and state agencies and develop and execute an outreach strategy. Familiarize and stay current on Woods/SDSS researcher projects and areas of interest.
- Stay up to date and well informed on legislature activity including hearings, budget process, and relevant introduced legislation. Evaluate potential investments, funding, programs, and opportunities for legislative input and inform Woods researchers on areas related to their interest and research.
- Manage all aspects of RELP, a flagship professional development program for grad students and postdocs, from inception through conclusion. This includes program administration, recruitment, promotion to graduate students and post-doctoral fellows across Stanford, creating recruitment materials, managing the selection process, sourcing speakers, and developing content for workshops.
- Manage and lead RELP Sacramento Bootcamps to introduce the RELP cohort to California's leading environmental actors as well as provide an insider's view of the policy-making process at the sub-national level.
- Develop and organize RELP summits every other year, including identifying and inviting fellows and other experts from the policy community to speak. The summits will explore opportunities for improved environmental outcomes through greater science, policy, and community engagement.
- Manage the RELP LinkedIn website as well as alumni outreach and events.
- Write and /or edit complex content for program activities such as the California portion of the bi-monthly DCA Update newsletter and Policy Deep Dives.
- Identify partners and participants for expert panels.
- Serve as the subject matter expert within Woods on environmental issues in the legislature.
- Maintain CA contacts in the database system.
- Draft research briefs based on published scientific articles.
- Arrange and schedule meetings with key policymakers and faculty, fostering connections.
To be successful in this position, you will need:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience or combination of education, training, and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to develop program partnerships and funding sources.
- Excellent oral, written, and analytical skills, exhibiting fluency in area of specialization.
- Ability to oversee and direct staff.
- Basic knowledge of managing budgets and developing financial plans.
In addition, our preferred qualifications include:
- Degree in related scientific field, such as environmental science, sustainability etc.
- 3-5 years direct California government experience or in a position that requires frequent communication and collaboration with elected or government officials at the state level.
- Firm knowledge of the CA policy process; familiarity with federal and state interactions a plus.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Ability to cultivate and nurture relationships with key audiences.
- Experience in an academic or similar setting with the ability to grasp complex scientific findings and technical terms and translate them into understandable language for non-science audiences.
- Knowledge of Canva or comparable graphics program.
- Knowledge of CRM-type database management.
- Experience with web site editing, preferably using Drupal.
The expected pay range for this position is $95,000 to $139,000 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 (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.
How to Apply
We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button.
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, or 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 by submitting 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.
