Director, Digital Communications & Operations

Stanford Graduate School of Business
Stanford's Graduate School of Business has built a global reputation based on its immersive and innovative management programs. We provide students a transformative leadership experience, pushing the boundaries of knowledge with faculty research, and offering a portfolio of entrepreneurial and non-degree programs that deliver global impact like no other. We are committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in service of our mission of developing innovative, principled, and insightful leaders who change lives, change organizations, and change the world. We invite you to be part of this mission.
The MBA and MSx Programs at the Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) seek an experienced business professional to serve as Director, Digital Communications & Operations. Reporting to the Associate Dean of MBA and MSx Programs, the Director is responsible for 1) developing and implementing comprehensive Digital Communications plans, 2) managing central operations, 3) overseeing day-to-day production of content for the MBA and MSx Programs, and 4) serving as an academic advisor as needed.
The successful candidate must be able to develop and execute clear and targeted messaging strategies for each channel of communication, e.g., intranet, email digest, presentations, Slack, quarterly summaries, etc. The candidate must be able to communicate with all areas of the school, advocate on behalf of the students, represent department priorities, ensure buy-in from various stakeholders, and partner closely with MBA and MSx Programs teams. Also, the candidate should have outstanding judgment, acute problem-solving skills, a keen understanding of and interest in technology platforms, and exceptional communication skills.
As the owner of the student website and other communication channels for MBA and MSx students, central to this role is the ability to define requirements for new or existing digital communication channels and platforms, making decisions on which channels would be most useful in conveying messages and managing the work of technical and creative content developers. The central operations portion of the position involves managing a team that provides event operations management, budget management, and technology and special project support for the MBA and MSx Programs.
The Director will also serve as an academic advisor, as needed, to a cohort of MBA students, guiding them to meet degree requirements. The academic advising portion of the position involves working collaboratively with the team of academic advisors and developing in-depth knowledge of GSB and Stanford resources, including courses and degree requirements, curriculum structure, faculty and student issues and needs, policies, and processes.
Your primary responsibilities include:

• Manage the work of employees, processes, and projects, to implement the strategic Digital Communications and operations goals of the MBA and MSx Programs. Make hiring decisions, provide coaching and mentoring, and manage performance and staffing levels.
• Partner with MBA and MSx Program leadership to strategically and collaboratively advance departmental goals.
• Develop, analyze, measure effectiveness, and oversee digital communication channels and platforms including periodic evaluation for improvements, enhancements, and replacements.
• Responsible for student website lifecycle, content development, and delivery. Develop and implement a content and information architecture strategy.
• Manage the annual updates to the Policies & Standards for the MBA and MSx Programs
• Provide strategic direction for and manage Digital Communications and Operations team, including forecasting, planning, and managing team budgets.
• Interpret, implement and ensure compliance with university, academic and administrative policies within MBA and MSx Programs. Recommend new internal policies, guidelines and procedures. Direct communications and operations process improvement for MBA and MSx Programs.
• Write and serve as back-up writer/editor, including leading on time-sensitive internal communications in response to critical incidents.
• Create partnerships with cross-functional teams across the GSB to ensure continuous alignment of messaging.
• Special projects as assigned.
  * - Other duties may also be assigned

To be successful in this position, you will bring:

• Bachelor's degree and ten years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience. Experience in higher education setting preferred. Graduate degree preferred.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills to clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences, client groups, and all levels of management.
• Advanced knowledge of Google Suite, and experience with Microsoft Suite.
• Strong analytical skills to review and analyze complex data and information.
• Strong leadership and strategic management skills.
• Demonstrated experience managing people.
• Understanding of underlying technological needs and requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• Active listening skills needed to work with a broad range of individuals successfully including faculty, staff and students.
• Knowledge of social media platforms.
• Technical knowledge of content development for websites and other communication platforms.
• Demonstrated experience advising professional graduate students.

Please note: This is a full-time position in a student-facing organization where work is expected to be performed on site. The role is potentially eligible for hybrid work after the trial period based on demonstrated performance and competency.
The expected pay range for this position is $117,000 to $158,000 per annum.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. 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.
Why Stanford is for You
Stanford's dedicated 16,000 staff come from diverse educational and career backgrounds. We are a collaborative environment that thrives on innovation and continuous improvement. At Stanford, we seek talent committed to excellence, driven to impact the future of our legacy, and improve lives on a global sphere. We provide competitive salaries, excellent health care and retirement plans, and a generous vacation policy, including additional time off during our winter closure. Our generous perks align with what matters to you:
• Freedom to grow. Take advantage of career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or leader discuss global issues.
• A caring culture. We understand the importance of your personal and family time and provide you access to wellness programs, child-care resources, parent education and consultation, elder care and caregiving support.
• A healthier you. We make wellness a priority by providing access to world-class exercise facilities. Climb our rock wall, or participate in one of hundreds of health or fitness classes.
• Discovery and fun. Visit campus gardens, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. We offer free commuter programs and ridesharing incentives. Enjoy discounts for computers, cell phones, recreation, travel, entertainment, and more!
We pride ourselves in being a culture that encourages and empowers you.
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 résumé 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.
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.
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.