Academic Research and Program Officer, Rock Center, Stanford Law School

🔍 School of Law, Stanford, California, United States

📁: Research

📅   : Jan 09, 2026 Post Date

📅   : 108014 Requisition #

Full-time, benefits-eligible position;

Ability to work from home 1-2 days per week, a regular on-site presence is a must

About the Center: The Rock Center for Corporate Governance builds on Stanford Law School’s longstanding tradition of legal scholarship and advances programs and research on corporate governance in its broadest sense. Through research, events, and convenings, the Center advances its mission by fostering scholarship and generating public dialogue and education on cutting-edge issues in corporate governance, capital markets, and law and finance. For example, in addition to programs and research relating to corporate governance, the Center supports research and education on the responsible governance and use of artificial intelligence (AI) within organizations via the Governance & Assurance in AI Networks (GAAIN) Initiative, as well as research and education relating to venture capital finance and startup formation through its campus Form & Fund programs. We additionally support aspiring legal academics through fellowships, which provide a modest number of Research Fellows the opportunity to advance their related research, while immersing themselves in the academic life of Stanford Law School.

Job Description: The Academic Research Officer (ARO) for the Center, a full-time position, will report jointly to the Faculty Co-Directors (Professor Honigsberg and Professor Bartlett). The ARO will be responsible for supporting the Center's mission by expanding on the Faculty vision for the Center and supporting research activities inspired by the Faculty. You will be expected not only to support academic research but also to produce original research and teaching materials in alignment with the goals of the Center. This position will primarily focus on faculty research and education, as well as planning, administering, and executing the Center's research activities and advancing the Center’s mission.

The ARO works closely with the Faculty Directors to oversee the Center’s academic research programming and fellowship programs. The ARO will supervise predoctoral fellows (staff) and coordinate with our Executive Education team and GAAIN to generate new programs.

A solid understanding of research methodology and a demonstrated track record of authoring white papers, publications, and/or teaching cases are key skill sets for success in this role.

Job duties will include:

Work under the general direction of faculty to develop, implement, and administer the academic research vision, strategy, and goals of the Rock Center. Participate in program strategy development, long-range planning, and partnership development.
Develop and manage research initiatives by promoting and conducting research, including outreach to varied stakeholders within the Center and across the University
Take primary authorship responsibility for academic publications and educational case studies.
Oversee academic and pre-doctoral fellows/staff. Assign resources and make program improvement recommendations that impact policy, programs, and curriculum.
Identify, recommend, and support opportunities for new research, such as the Governance & Assurance in AI Networks Initiative.
Source, collect, and analyze data, create reports, review and explain trends; formulate and evaluate alternative solutions and/or recommendations to achieve the goals of the research mission.
Plan, organize, and assist in Center conferences, workshops, roundtables, and other convenings.
Contribute to and inform strategic program/entity planning, as well as related funding and financial sustainability.
May advise students and/or coach/mentor clients.
Develop and contribute to outreach strategies supporting program communications, development, partnerships, and fundraising efforts.
Coach and mentor program staff.

Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience or a combination of education, training, and relevant experience. An advanced degree is a plus.
Basic understanding of research design and econometrics.
Experience managing a budget and developing financial plans.
Ability to develop program partnerships and funding sources.
Ability to work independently and keep co-faculty directors updated as necessary.
Excellent oral, written, and analytical skills, exhibiting fluency in area of specialization. Demonstrated interest in AI and corporate governance.
Ability to oversee and direct staff.
Basic knowledge of managing budgets and developing financial plans.
Prior academic publications, white papers, educational case studies, and/or research grants.
Knowledge of academic research methodology.

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

Prior experience running academic surveys.
Knowledge of auditing/accounting, and experience with data analysis are a plus.

*Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

How to apply: All interested and qualified applicants must submit a resume and a cover letter via the Stanford Career website https://careersearch.stanford.edu/ (Search for job number 108014). Your cover letter should describe your interest in legal scholarship in general and this position in particular. We encourage you to apply right away. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Additional Information:

The expected pay range for this position is $116,966 to $150,114 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. 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.

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.

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.

Stanford Law School seeks to hire the best talent and to promote a safe and secure environment for all members of the university community and its property. To that end, new staff hires must successfully pass a background check prior to starting work at Stanford University.

Additional Information