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.
- 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.
- Engage with a diverse set of stakeholders to build PACE’s impact
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.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to develop program partnerships and funding sources.
- Advanced oral, written and analytical skills exhibiting fluency in an area of specialization.
- Excellent leadership skills.
- Ability to manage budgets and develop financial plans
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.
- 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.
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.
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.
