Administrative Associate

SCHOOL/UNIT DESCRIPTION:

The Stanford Center on China's Economy and Institutions (SCCEI) is a joint effort of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI) and the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR). FSI is Stanford University's primary interdisciplinary research and teaching institute on international policy and international affairs.  SIEPR is Stanford University’s home for understanding the economic challenges, opportunities, and policies affecting people in the United States and around the world.
SCCEI is Stanford’s home for empirical, multidisciplinary research on China’s economy. SCCEI focuses on empirical work to bridge the divide between academic research and the real-life policies guiding US-China relations, create transformative student experiences, and advance public understanding of China’s economy and its impact on the world.

Rural Education Action Program (REAP) is a multidisciplinary team of social scientists working towards a common goal: help China’s underserved population reach their full potential.  To meet this goal, REAP partners with pioneering minds in pediatrics, psychology, global health, education, and economics to learn what works elsewhere in the world, adapt interventions to the Chinese context, and then test the effectiveness. The future of rural China will shape China’s economic and political trajectory, which will in turn affect the global economy.  
This is a 100% FTE, benefit-eligible, two-year fixed term position with possibility for renewal. This position will be based on Stanford’s main campus in the historic Encina East building and may be considered for an option of telecommuting (hybrid of working on-site and off-site) work arrangement, subject to operational need. 

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 Rural Education Action Program (REAP), a sub-program of the Stanford Center on China’s Economy and Institutions (SCCEI) is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Administrative Associate to facilitate the administration of REAP's research and programs. This role will facilitate visa processing and onboarding for our many visiting graduate students and faculty coming from China, and will also work closely with our team of project managers and faculty leads to set up financial contracts with project collaborators, many of whom are located in China. If you are someone who loves problem-solving, managing moving pieces, and working with innovative individuals and international teams, this is the job for you!

In addition to the above responsibilities, the Administrative Associate will provide general office and research operations support to the REAP team. This includes acting as front of office, space management, facilities coordination, and transaction processing (i.e., helping to process various reimbursements, including team travel to China).

We are looking for a friendly, proactive, and dependable individual who can adapt to varied working styles and needs, with a strong desire to learn new and unfamiliar business topics, policies, and procedures related to administration. A successful candidate will exhibit effective written and oral communication, strong attention to detail and respectful relationship management.

This position is an excellent opportunity to start or continue a career in the world of higher education, and also to gain exposure to a top-tier international research team. Stanford offers a number of unique perks, including career development programs, tuition reimbursement, and the ability to audit courses. More details are available here.

This position is fixed term for two years with the possibility of extension based on funding availability and programmatic need. The position will be based out of the REAP office on Stanford University’s campus in Palo Alto, CA, but with a flexible work schedule that can be coordinated with your supervisor. REAP values diversity in backgrounds and perspectives. Stanford University is an equal-opportunity employer.

CORE DUTIES:

• Act on behalf of the supervisor, department manager, or chair in regards to establishing priorities and identifying and resolving problems that are administrative in nature.
• Plan and schedule calendar(s) with limited consultation, resolve calendaring conflicts, and arrange travel in compliance with unit, university, and sponsor policies.
• Create complex reports and spreadsheets which may utilize specialized software and systems.
• Oversee and/or process a variety of complex financial transactions; produce, monitor, and reconcile budget statements; research, identify, and resolve discrepancies. May assist with capital or special equipment requests and/or vendor selection.
• Coordinate and monitor routine maintenance services completion.  Plan and coordinate office moves and/or minor renovation projects.
• May lead staff or supervise day-to-day work of student and/or temporary workers, including scheduling, assigning, and prioritizing workloads, setting appropriate deadlines, reviewing work for quality and timeliness, and providing performance review input
• Act on behalf of the supervisor, department manager, or chair in regards to establishing priorities and identifying and resolving problems that are administrative in nature.
• Oversee and/or perform duties associated with scheduling, organizing, and operating complex conferences, seminars, and events, including arranging with vendors for services, overseeing the production and distribution of materials, administering logistics, and managing event within budget.