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Stanford University

Executive Assistant

Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States, 94306

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Thank you for your interest in Stanford University. While we have instituted a hiring pause for non-critical staff positions, we are actively recruiting for most of the positions currently listed on our careers page. We will update the page when the broader hiring pause is lifted.

Overview The Stanford Center on Early Childhood, an initiative of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, seeks a full-time Executive Assistant to join our team. The Executive Assistant will provide high-level administrative support to the SCEC Director. The role focuses primarily on complex calendar management (approximately 75% of the role). This is a 1-year fixed-term appointment that may be renewed based on performance and funding. Interested applicants should submit a resume and a cover letter describing why they are interested in this position at this stage of their career. Candidates must be eligible to work in the US. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

About Us Housed at Stanford Graduate School of Education, the Stanford Accelerator for Learning is the first university-wide initiative connecting scholars across disciplines and external partners to bridge research, innovation, practice, and policy, and to bring quality scalable and equitable learning experiences to all learners throughout the lifespan. The SCEC is an initiative of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning and seeks to change how research in early childhood is conducted, communicated, and utilized, with the overarching goal that every child thrives from the start.

Position Summary With minimal supervision and strong attention to detail, the Executive Assistant provides confidential support to the SCEC Director. The EA will manage the Director’s calendar, coordinate a high volume of internal and external meetings across institutions and time zones, triage scheduling conflicts, anticipate needs, and respond to shifting priorities. Responsibilities include coordinating meeting logistics, preparing materials or briefs, note-taking, compiling slide decks, managing invites, greeting guests, and assisting with travel arrangements and expense reports.

This role requires knowledge of SCEC programs, partnerships, and priorities to organize activities, events, and correspondence. The EA will work with the SCEC Leadership and Management teams to stay informed about priorities and will track executive documents (e.g., CVs, biosketches, letters, research support documents). The role may attend and take minutes at confidential, high-priority meetings. The EA reports to the SCEC Operations Manager and collaborates with the administrative team on event planning and other duties to support Center operations. This is a hybrid position: on campus four days per week (Mon–Thu), with some weeks requiring five days on campus (e.g., during special visitor weeks or events).

Your Primary Responsibilities

Plan and schedule complex calendars with limited or no consultation; resolve scheduling conflicts.

Negotiate and manage requests for the Director’s time; independently committing time as needed. May represent the Director at meetings in his absence.

Establish priorities and identify or resolve administrative issues; use independent judgment to keep the Director informed.

Serve as liaison to internal and external constituencies; screen correspondence and calls; keep the Director informed of matters requiring attention.

Prioritize, plan, coordinate, and oversee logistics and conferences with internal and external partners, including senior staff, donors, and government officials.

Compose correspondence; develop and edit presentations and documentation; research and analyze issues as needed for presentation or decision making.

Manage complex travel in compliance with unit, university, and sponsor policies.

Prepare reports and analyses; identify adverse trends and provide recommendations or conclusions.

Manage multiple projects; track dates and action items; follow up to ensure deadlines are met.

Support event planning and execution as part of the SCEC Administrative team.

Qualifications and Requirements

High school diploma and five years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Demonstrated high-level administrative experience with advanced computer skills and familiarity with office software and email applications.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including editing and proofreading.

Excellent planning and organizational skills; ability to take initiative and ownership of projects.

Ability to handle sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality; professional demeanor, discretion, judgment, diplomacy, and tact.

Ability to multi-task, adapt to changing priorities, and meet deadlines.

Preferred Education & Experience

At least five years of high-level executive support.

Proficiency with MacOS, Zoom, Slack, Google Drive, Adobe Acrobat, and Microsoft Office Suite (advanced Outlook and Word; intermediate Excel and PowerPoint). Experience developing CVs and managing academic publications.

Experience managing complex calendars and booking travel for senior leaders, preferably in an academic or research setting.

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team-based environment; ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities under pressure.

Physical Requirements

Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks; frequently sit.

Occasionally stand/walk; reach above shoulders; fine manipulation; lift/carry/push/pull up to 10 pounds.

Rarely twist/bend/stoop/squat or kneel/crawl. Reasonable accommodation available as required by law.

Compensation and Benefits The expected pay range for this position is $43.19-$45.67 per hour. Stanford University pay ranges reflect a good faith estimate of compensation. The final pay offer will be based on factors including the scope of the role, candidate qualifications, department budget, internal equity, location, and external market data. Cardinal at Work provides information on Stanford’s benefits and rewards; specifics for this role may be discussed during the hiring process.

Work Standards and Policies

Interpersonal skills: ability to work well with Stanford colleagues, clients, and external partners.

Promote a culture of safety; uphold safety training and practices.

Comply with University policies and procedures, including those in the Administrative Guide.

Equal Opportunity 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.

How to Apply and Additional Information We invite you to apply by clicking the “Apply for Job” button. Finalists must successfully complete a background check. This is a fixed-term position with an end date of one year and is renewable based on performance and funding. Candidates must be eligible to work in the US. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Graduate School of Education, Stanford, California, United States

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