Academic Research and Program Officer, Rock Center, Stanford Law School

Full-time, benefits-eligible position; Ability to work from home 1-2 days per week, a regular on-site presence is a must

About the Center:

The Rock Center for Corporate Governance builds on Stanford Law School’s longstanding tradition of legal scholarship and advances programs and research on corporate governance in its broadest sense. Through research, events, and convenings, the Center advances its mission by fostering scholarship and generating public dialogue and education on cutting-edge issues in corporate governance, capital markets, and law and finance. For example, in addition to programs and research relating to corporate governance, the Center supports research and education on the responsible governance and use of artificial intelligence (AI) within organizations via the Governance & Assurance in AI Networks (GAAIN) Initiative, as well as research and education relating to venture capital finance and startup formation through its campus Form & Fund programs. We additionally support aspiring legal academics through fellowships, which provide a modest number of Research Fellows the opportunity to advance their related research, while immersing themselves in the academic life of Stanford Law School.

Job Description:

The Academic Research Officer (ARO) for the Center, a full-time position, will report jointly to the Faculty Co-Directors (Professor Honigsberg and Professor Bartlett). The ARO will be responsible for supporting the Center's mission by expanding on the Faculty vision for the Center and supporting research activities inspired by the Faculty. You will be expected not only to support academic research but also to produce original research and teaching materials in alignment with the goals of the Center. This position will primarily focus on faculty research and education, as well as planning, administering, and executing the Center's research activities and advancing the Center’s mission. The ARO works closely with the Faculty Directors to oversee the Center’s academic research programming and fellowship programs. The ARO will supervise predoctoral fellows (staff) and coordinate with our Executive Education team and GAAIN to generate new programs. A solid understanding of research methodology and a demonstrated track record of authoring white papers, publications, and/or teaching cases are key skill sets for success in this role.

Job duties will include:

• Work under the general direction of faculty to develop, implement, and administer the academic research vision, strategy, and goals of the Rock Center.
• Participate in program strategy development, long-range planning, and partnership development.
• Develop and manage research initiatives by promoting and conducting research, including outreach to varied stakeholders within the Center and across the University
• Take primary authorship responsibility for academic publications and educational case studies.
• Oversee academic and pre-doctoral fellows/staff. Assign resources and make program improvement recommendations that impact policy, programs, and curriculum.
• Identify, recommend, and support opportunities for new research, such as the Governance & Assurance in AI Networks Initiative.
• Source, collect, and analyze data, create reports, review and explain trends; formulate and evaluate alternative solutions and/or recommendations to achieve the goals of the research mission.
• Plan, organize, and assist in Center conferences, workshops, roundtables, and other convenings.
• Contribute to and inform strategic program/entity planning, as well as related funding and financial sustainability.
• May advise students and/or coach/mentor clients.
• Develop and contribute to outreach strategies supporting program communications, development, partnerships, and fundraising efforts.
• Coach and mentor program staff.

Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience or a combination of education, training, and relevant experience. An advanced degree is a plus. Basic understanding of research design and econometrics. Experience managing a budget and developing financial plans. Ability to develop program partnerships and funding sources. Ability to work independently and keep co-faculty directors updated as necessary. Excellent oral, written, and analytical skills, exhibiting fluency in area of specialization. Demonstrated interest in AI and corporate governance. Ability to oversee and direct staff. Basic knowledge of managing budgets and developing financial plans. Prior academic publications, white papers, educational case studies, and/or research grants. Knowledge of academic research methodology.

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience running academic surveys.
• Knowledge of auditing/accounting, and experience with data analysis are a plus.