Associate Director, EDGE Doctoral Fellowship Program Details

Stanford University - Stanford, CA

Employment Type : Full-Time

The Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Education is a dynamic and fast-paced team that delivers programs to Stanford’s 9,000+ graduate students and 3,000+ postdoctoral scholars. The office works collaboratively across the university, with schools and other VP areas, to enhance the graduate educational experience. The VPGE supports programs, administration and service to the university community and graduate students in five portfolio areas: fellowships and funding, professional development, diversity and inclusion, interdisciplinary learning and academic guidance.


This position primarily supports the EDGE Doctoral Fellowship Program, which supports 400+ PhD students from diverse backgrounds, broadly-defined, across the schools of business, earth, education, engineering, and humanities and sciences. The associate director also contributes to other areas of focus for the office.


Job purpose

Administer the EDGE Doctoral Fellowship Program under the supervision of the program director, assuming primary responsibility for specific aspects of the program. Contribute to the vision, strategy, and goals of the Office of the VPGE. Serve as an expert partner in the provision of professional development programs that meet the needs of diverse PhD students in five schools. Support individual fellows and mentors.


Provide leadership on issues of diversity and inclusion both within the VPGE and externally. Consult within the VPGE and with partners in the schools and in other VP units across the university to develop, identify, and disseminate best practices for fostering inclusion in graduate education. Occasionally represent the program and the VPGE at meetings with campus partners.


Core Duties

Oversee the day-to-day implementation and administration of the EDGE Fellowship program.

  • Develop, implement, and administer EDGE programs, including professional development workshops, mentor trainings, and community-building events

  • Manage the EDGE research and travel grant program including outreach, and review processes for graduate student funding proposals

  • Manage and implement general marketing and communications strategy to communicate with over 400 fellows and graduate student mentors, using a variety of digital channels including websites, email marketing platforms (e.g,. MailChimp), social media, etc.

  • Conduct outreach, gather feedback, and solicit participation in programs and other student-support initiatives from stakeholders in the schools, departments, and other VP units

  • Participate in recruiting for admitted PhD students who are offered the fellowship

  • Provide one-on-one one mentorship to PhD students across schools on academic, and professional concerns

  • Lead and assist in the teaching or facilitation of workshops for EDGE doctoral fellows

  • Create and/or advise in the development of curriculum for EDGE fellows and mentors; design new workshop content as needed to meet emerging needs; identify new partners and presenters

  • May develop and manage partnerships with other units and schools to meet the needs of graduate students (such as mentorship programs)

  • Contribute to and inform on strategic program/entity planning and related funding and financial sustainability

  • Gather and analyze student and other stakeholder feedback for ongoing evaluation, continuous feedback and program improvement

  • Gather, analyze and present via reports, tables and charts participation and research and travel grant data; identify trends; and formulate appropriate responses, recommendations and policy and program improvements


Lead the VPGE’s Diversity Dissertation Research Opportunity (DDRO) Program

  • Promote the program to graduate students, faculty and student support staff in the schools

  • Manage the call for proposals, proposal review process, and allocation of awards


Other responsibilities

  • Contribute to the leadership team for the Diversity Works speaker series

  • Coordinate with VPGE events staff to execute programs

  • Coach and mentor VPGE event staff as needed

  • Serve on VPGE teams for retreat planning, goal-setting and other initiatives as needed

  • Other duties as assigned


Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience or combination of education, training, and relevant experience. Advanced degree may be required for some programs. Master's degree highly desirable and PhD preferred.


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Expertise in issues of diversity in higher education and knowledge of theory and practice related to achieving inclusion

  • Knowledge of the professional development needs of graduate students

  • Experience with program development

  • Familiarity with the varied practices of doctoral training across the university

  • Ability to balance the management of long-term, complex projects with day-to-day program activities and communications

  • Experience serving as a mentor in an educational setting

  • Ability to produce effective digital communications

  • Excellent oral, written, and analytical skills

  • Ability to oversee and direct staff

  • Experience (formal or informal) mentoring and/or advising students in a university environment

  • Discretion in handling sensitive and/or confidential student and university information

  • Advanced facility with standard office software (or ability to learn); including communications and research software (e.g, Word, Excel, Tableau, Qualtrics, MailChimp or similar platforms)


  • Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

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 auditing 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. 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.


How to Apply


We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button. To be considered, please submit a cover letter and resume along with your online application.


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. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University’s research, teaching and clinical missions.

Posted on : 3 years ago