Program Manager

🔍 Dean of Research, Stanford, California, United States

📁: Administration

📅   : Jun 04, 2025 Post Date

📅   : 106584 Requisition #

SCHOOL/UNIT DESCRIPTION:
The Stanford Center at Peking University (SCPKU), housed within the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI), serves as Stanford’s academic and research hub in China. Located on the campus of Peking University in Beijing, SCPKU is a platform for Stanford faculty, students, and international partners to engage in research, teaching, and academic exchange focused on China and U.S.-China relations. The center facilitates a range of programs, including faculty fellowships, student research grants, graduate seminars, visiting scholar exchanges, and academic symposia. With a $1.5M annual operating budget, SCPKU supports Stanford’s global mission to foster cross-cultural collaboration and develop scholarly understanding of key global issues. SCPKU operates in close partnership with Stanford’s home campus and maintains strong ties with other academic departments and research units across the university.

POSITION SUMMARY:
SCPKU is seeking a Program Manager to support the center’s academic, operational, and financial functions. Reporting to the Faculty Director, this role will oversee the administration of SCPKU’s fellowship programs, research initiatives, events, and operational planning. The Program Manager will coordinate and implement a wide range of academic programs, including faculty and pre-doctoral fellowships, graduate seminars, and international exchanges. The incumbent will also collaborate closely with SCPKU’s China-based team, Stanford administrators, and faculty to manage event logistics, facilitate reporting, process financial transactions, and support cross-campus coordination. Under guidance and direction from SCPKU leadership and FSI Finance, the Program Manager will develop and manage the center’s annual operating budget—averaging $1.5 million—ensuring funds are aligned with programmatic goals and financial policies. This position requires strong administrative experience, attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex logistics in a cross-cultural academic environment. The Program Manager will play a key role in sustaining the center’s mission and ensuring the success of its academic and research programming.

This is a five-year, fixed-term position.

CORE DUTIES:

Independently implement, administer and evaluate day-to-day activities of the unit, function or program by identifying and executing tasks and objectives, making recommendations that impact policies and programs, and assigning resources to achieve the goals of the program.
Collect and analyze data, create reports, review and explain trends; formulate and evaluate alternative solutions and/or recommendations to achieve the goals of the program or function.
Analyze and interpret policies; develop, revise and implement procedures for program or function.
Represent the program or function as the key contact and subject matter expert within the department, unit or school. Commit resources and provide information and/or training. May also represent the program or function to external/internal stakeholders and constituencies.
Organize and/or participate in outreach activities that may include developing communications and training, planning/promoting events and/or conferences.
May participate in development of budgets, monitor, and approve expenditures. May perform limited forecasting and provide recommendations that determine the budget.
May direct staff to perform various tasks and assignments. May also supervise staff.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Demonstrated ability to prioritize own work and multi-task.
Demonstrated excellent organizational skills.
Demonstrated ability to take initiative and ownership of projects.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to routinely and independently exercise sound judgment in making decisions.
Demonstrated experience working independently and as part of a team.
Relevant subject matter knowledge.
Ability to direct the work of others, for jobs requiring supervision.

Desired Qualifications:

Working proficiency in Mandarin preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
Frequently stand/walk, sitting, grasp lightly/fine manipulation.
Occasionally use a telephone.
Rarely lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh 11-20 pounds.

*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.

WORK STANDARDS:

Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

Hybrid:
The expected pay range for this position is $100,023 to $124,516 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 a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate including but not limited to geographic location, knowledge, skills and abilities, relevant education, depth and breadth of experience, performance; as well as other business and organization needs such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the minimum qualifications, departmental budget availability, and market and internal equity across the unit, department and reporting relationships.

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.

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 audit a course. 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.

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.

Additional Information