Executive Director, Office of Investigations

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Compliance Legal
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106878 Requisition #

As the inaugural head of Stanford’s new Office of Investigations (OI), the Executive Director will oversee a team of investigators responsible for conducting independent and neutral fact finding on a variety of subject matters involving students, faculty and staff. The Executive Director will provide strategic leadership and management, overseeing investigations performed by other OI investigators and ensuring timely completion and adherence with applicable University and legal requirements. In addition, the Executive Director will personally perform investigative functions as needed.

Core Responsibilities:

  • Develop and implement a strategic vision and plan for University investigations in accordance with industry best practices; set long range direction and establish policies, procedures, templates and trainings.
  • Coordinate with campus partners to designate investigators and ensure the timely completion of thorough, neutral and fair investigations.
  • Serve as the lead investigator as needed and engage in fact finding activities, including but not limited to, conducting intakes, identifying relevant laws and policies, interviewing parties and witnesses, collecting and reviewing relevant documentary evidence, assessing the sufficiency and 
    credibility of evidence, making findings of fact, and preparing written investigation reports.
  • Oversee investigations performed by other OI investigators to ensure timely completion and adherence to applicable university or legal requirements. Supervise, train, and advise OI investigators and review and approve all written reports.
  • Provide information to relevant individuals concerning key components of applicable investigative processes.
  • Provide relevant stakeholders with timely updates regarding the status of pending investigations.
  • Ensure that the OI maintains accurate and thorough records of investigatory processes and comprehensive written reports.
  • At least ten (10) years of experience in planning and carrying out complex internal investigations, conducting witness interviews, identifying and evaluating data and evidence and preparing high quality investigative reports.
  • At least three (3) years of experience in managing or supervising a number of team members.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify key issues, synthesize information and apply relevant laws and policies across a range of subject matters.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively address and work with diverse constituencies (e.g., faculty, students, parents, staff and administrators) with discretion, diplomacy and tact.
  • Excellent attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Ability to remain neutral, independent, and objective, including when handling investigations into controversial and/or high-profile matters.
  • Ability to effectively plan, organize, and prioritize among multiple concurrent significant investigations.
  • Demonstrated ability to build relationships and establish collaborative partnerships across a large and/or decentralized institution.
  • Excellent English written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Experience and familiarity with applicable legal and regulatory requirements as well as industry standards and trends.
  • Experience working with institutions of higher education preferred.
  • Juris Doctor degree preferred.
  • Residency in the Bay Area required. Must be able to work on campus as needed to oversee the office, conduct investigations, meet with campus partners, participate in certain meetings and perform similar activities requiring in-person presence.

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.


The expected salary range is $250,000 to $330,000 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.

The final candidate will need to successfully pass a background check to be considered for this position.


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 their job.


Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Stanford University has exclusively retained Major, Lindsey & Africa to conduct a search for this position. Interested candidates should submit a resume addressed to:

Heather Fine, Partner: hfine@mlaglobal.com

Tam T. T. Pham, Managing Director: tampham@mlaglobal.com

Christina Tonioni, Lead Search Coordinator: ctonioni@mlaglobal.com

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