Event & Special Programs Manager

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:

1. Event Planning and Execution:

●      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.

2. Strategic Program Development:

●      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.

3. Stakeholder Engagement:

●      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.

4. Budget Management:

●      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.

5. Evaluation and Reporting:

●      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.