Executive Director, Stanford Institute for Research in the Social Sciences

Executive Director, Stanford Institute for Research in the Social Sciences

School of Humanities and Sciences, Stanford, California, United States

Administration

Post Date Apr 23, 2026

Requisition # 108912

This position has been deemed critical by the School of Humanities and Sciences Dean's Office and is exempt from the hiring freeze.

TheSchool of Humanities and Sciences (H&S)is the foundation of a liberal arts education at Stanford. The school encompasses 24 departments and 25 interdisciplinary programs. H&S is home to fundamental and applied research, where free, open, and critical inquiry is pursued across disciplines. As the university's largest school, H&S serves as the foundation of a Stanford undergraduate education no matter which discipline students pursue as a major. Graduate students work alongside world-renowned faculty to pursue and shape foundational research that leads to breakthroughs and discoveries that shed new light on the past, influence the present, and shape the future. Together, faculty and students in H&S engage in inspirational teaching, learning, and research every day.

Stanford Institute for Research in the Social Sciences (IRiSS)

Expanding access to novel data sources, the development of powerful computing tools, and innovation in quantitative and qualitative research methods are opening a new frontier for social scientists to explore bold, inventive research questions. In this era of burgeoning social-science research, the Stanford Institute for Research in the Social Sciences (IRiSS) facilitates first-rate interdisciplinary collaborations, trains the next generation of scholars, and incubates medium- to long-term research projects to address critical social challenges. IRiSS ensures that world-class, evidence-based research is produced to meet evolving problems in areas of governance and democracy, economic inequality, immigration policy, and other social issues that affect communities across the globe.

Position Summary:

IRiSS is seeking an Executive Director to lead the strategic direction, operational excellence, and continuous improvement of social science research capabilities and opportunities at Stanford. The ED is responsible for the operational effectiveness of: (a) four research support services, (b) two graduate fellowship programs, (c) startup and administrative support and oversight for six interdisciplinary research centers, (d) a small portfolio of NSF funded research projects, and (e) three to four new research ventures.

The position reports to the IRiSS faculty director. A strong on-campus presence is essential to foster community, visibility, and direct engagement with faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, post baccalaureate researchers, and community college students who have been selected as research assistant interns in social science research labs.

This is a100% FTE,continuing,exemptposition. This position will be based on the Stanford campus and will be considered for an option of telecommuting (hybrid of working on-site and off-site), subject to operational need.

If you believe that this opportunity is a match for your knowledge, skills and abilities, we encourage you to apply. For full consideration, please include a resume and cover letter. Thank you for considering employment opportunities with the School of Humanities and Sciences.

CORE DUTIES:

• Provide leadership direction to assigned staff in the program area, 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 faculty director. Assess entity/program efficacy. Shape development of research and/or teaching programs. Provide guidance to program staff or instructors.

• Define the overall activities of research/ teaching program(s), allocate appropriate staffing and other resources to achieve objectives. Develop and direct related policy. Provide strategic and financial advice to faculty director and/or senior management. Coordinate grant proposal submissions.

• 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.

• Other duties may also be assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Advanced degree or combination of relevant education, training, and/or experience. Typically five or more years of relevant experience in 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:

• Ability to develop program partnerships and funding sources.

• Advanced oral, written and analytical skills exhibiting fluency in area of specialization.

• Excellent leadership skills.

• Ability to manage budgets and develop financial plans.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• Broad understanding of social science activity in the School of Humanities and Sciences, and each of the Stanford professional schools.

• Familiarity with Stanford business policies, administrative systems, and grant proposal development and administration.

• Quantitative and qualitative research skills.This includes experience accessing and managing secure administrative microdata.

• Basic understanding of the use of AI in social science research.

• Experience developing proposals, working with advisory boards and development staff, managing partnership with other universities and colleges, launching new research ventures.

• IRB (CITI) certification for Nonmedical Research.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• May work extended hours, evenings or weekends.

• May travel locally.

• Occasional overnight travel.

The expected pay range for this position is $164,402 to $211,171 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. 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 ( 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 classifications 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 View email address on click.appcast.io. 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: Regular

• Grade: L

• Requisition ID: 108912

• Work Arrangement : Hybrid Eligible