ABOUT US
The Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) is dedicated to solving education's greatest challenges. Through rigorous research, model training programs and partnerships with educators worldwide, we're pursuing equitable, accessible and effective learning for all. The GSE is a top-ranked school of education, known for its prestigious faculty, rigorous graduate degree programs, and its impact on the quality of education across the world. The GSE is committed to developing leaders in education research, practice and policy. Our community includes over 60 faculty, 400 students, 230 staff, 14,000 alumni and countless individuals from the local and global communities that we work with and impact.
Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE) is an independent, nonpartisan research center that bridges academic research and education policy in California. Founded in 1983, PACE is a collaboration between Stanford University, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UCLA, and USC. It plays a critical role in providing high-quality research and evidence-based policy recommendations to improve education in California. PACE’s unique position as a collaborative effort of leading universities provides it with unparalleled credibility and access to expertise across the state.
The Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) seeks a full-time Executive Director for Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE). The Executive Director of PACE serves as the organization’s strategic and operational leader. This individual is responsible for advancing PACE’s mission to improve K12 education policy and practice in California through facilitating and conducting research, synthesizing evidence into actionable recommendations, and engaging policymakers to improve outcomes at all levels of the education system. This role requires a visionary and strategic leader who can navigate complex stakeholder relationships, maintain PACE’s nonpartisan reputation, and position the organization for continued success.
This position is a 1-year fixed term appointment based on Stanford University’s main campus. Consideration will be given to a hybrid work schedule (partially onsite and offsite work) because the position will require regular travel to Sacramento and throughout California. Candidates should submit a CV and cover letter addressing their qualifications and interest in the position. Applications should be submitted through Stanford University’s HR portal. Initial review of applications will begin on February 17, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Executive Director will lead a small, dynamic staff that partners with faculty across the state and nation to produce research that is objective, nonpartisan, relevant and accessible in order to impact education policy in California. Reporting to Dr. Ben Domingue, Associate Professor in the Stanford Graduate School of Education, the Executive Director works closely with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure PACE is focusing on the more pressing and promising issues facing California. Internal stakeholders include faculty directors representing each member research institution, PACE staff, and individual PACE researchers at affiliated universities. External stakeholders include California policymakers (e.g., legislators, legislative staff, finance staff, Governor’s Office, State Board of Education, county and district leaders) as well as funders, peer researchers, education policy advocates and journalists.
Typical responsibilities include:
Provide leadership direction and oversee subordinate staff with program responsibility Design, develop, and oversee implementation of the most complex programs. Devise and implement vision, strategy, goals, and resource development in consultation with the faculty director. Assess entity efficacy. Shape development of research programs. Provide guidance to program staff. Define the overall activities of research programs, allocate appropriate staffing and other resources to achieve objectives. Develop and direct related policy. Develop, maintain, and control the financial budget related to program(s); shape financial strategy and long-range financial planning. Serve as the principal advocate with foundations, funding, and gift sources. Engage with a diverse set of stakeholders to build PACE’s impactSuccessful candidates will be required to complete a background check prior to working at Stanford University.
Candidates must be eligible to work in the US. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
The expected pay range for this position is$164,922 - $206,189 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.
WHY STANFORD IS FOR YOU
Stanford’s dedicated 16,000+ staff, who come from diverse educational and career backgrounds. We are a collaborative environment that thrives on innovation and continuous improvement. At Stanford, we seek talent committed to excellence, driven to impact the future of our legacy, and improve lives on a global scale. We provide market competitive salaries, excellent health care and retirement plans, and a generous vacation policy, including additional time off during our winter closure. Our unique perks align with what matters to you:
Freedom to grow. As one of the greatest intellectual hubs in the world, take advantage of development programs, tuition reimbursement plus $800 you receive annually towards skill-building classes, or audit a Stanford course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or leader discuss global issues. A caring culture. We understand the importance of your personal and family time and provide you access to wellness programs, child-care resources, parent education and consultation, elder care and caregiving support. A healthier you. We make wellness a priority by providing access to world-class exercise facilities. Climb our rock wall, or participate in one of hundreds of health or fitness classes. Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums. Create an avatar and participate in virtual reality adventures or join one with fellow staff on Stanford vacations! Enviable resources. We offer free commuter programs and ridesharing incentives. Enjoy discounts for computing, cell phones, outdoor recreation, travel, entertainment, and more.Minimum education and experience requirements include:
Advanced degree or combination of relevant education, training, and/or experience (PhD preferred but not required). Typically, five or more years of relevant experience in the area of specialization and five or more years relevant experience managing staff. Experience managing a budget and developing financial plans, program partnerships and funding sources.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Desirable qualifications include:
Proven ability to build and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, funders, researchers, and practitioners. Strong communication skills, including the ability to translate complex research into accessible and actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners. Significant knowledge of California’s education policy history and landscape and/or prior experience working to research or advance education policies in the state and a deep understanding of or experience with California’s education policy environment, including key institutions and actors, funding systems, and reform priorities, or demonstrated ability to quickly develop such expertise. Familiarity with the diverse needs of California’s student populations, including underserved groups such as English learners, students from low-income communities, and students with disabilities. Professional experience working to advise California policymakers, education leaders, or advocacy organizations. Experience leading and managing a comparable-sized organization or initiative that involves advances in research, policy, and practice. Familiarity with the unique governance structure of universities.Successful candidates will be required to complete a background check prior to working at Stanford University.
Candidates must be eligible to work in the US. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
The expected pay range for this position is$164,922 - $206,189 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.
WHY STANFORD IS FOR YOU
Stanford’s dedicated 16,000+ staff, who come from diverse educational and career backgrounds. We are a collaborative environment that thrives on innovation and continuous improvement. At Stanford, we seek talent committed to excellence, driven to impact the future of our legacy, and improve lives on a global scale. We provide market competitive salaries, excellent health care and retirement plans, and a generous vacation policy, including additional time off during our winter closure. Our unique perks align with what matters to you:
Freedom to grow. As one of the greatest intellectual hubs in the world, take advantage of development programs, tuition reimbursement plus $800 you receive annually towards skill-building classes, or audit a Stanford course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or leader discuss global issues. A caring culture. We understand the importance of your personal and family time and provide you access to wellness programs, child-care resources, parent education and consultation, elder care and caregiving support. A healthier you. We make wellness a priority by providing access to world-class exercise facilities. Climb our rock wall, or participate in one of hundreds of health or fitness classes. Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums. Create an avatar and participate in virtual reality adventures or join one with fellow staff on Stanford vacations! Enviable resources. We offer free commuter programs and ridesharing incentives. Enjoy discounts for computing, cell phones, outdoor recreation, travel, entertainment, and more.We pride ourselves in being a culture that encourages and empowers you.
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.
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 at stanfordelr@stanford.edu. For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form.
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 Schedule: Full-time Job Code: 4116 Employee Status: Fixed-Term Grade: L Requisition ID: 105781 Work Arrangement : Hybrid Eligible