Senior Director of Human Resources and University Academic Staff Research Program - Stanford University

This is a highly visible leadership opportunity supporting Stanford’s Office of the Vice Provost and Dean of Research (VPDoR), serving as the chief people advisor for an organization of more than 800 employees while also providing university-wide leadership for Stanford’s Academic Staff–Research program.

Reporting to the Senior Associate Dean for Finance and Administration, this role will lead a team of 5 HR professionals and help shape talent strategy, organizational effectiveness, employee engagement, workforce planning, and change management initiatives across one of the world’s leading research institutions.

Another Source’s client, Stanford University, is recruiting a Senior Director of Human Resources & University Academic Staff-Research Program to join their team in Palo Alto, California.  

Here’s a little about Stanford University and the Office of the Vice Provost and Dean of Research (VPDoR): 

The Office of the Vice Provost and Dean of Research (VPDoR) plays a critical role in supporting Stanford’s research enterprise by providing leadership, infrastructure, and services that enable groundbreaking work across the university. 

This role sits at the intersection of people strategy, organizational leadership, and academic research administration. Supporting more than 800 benefits-eligible employees across independent academic units and mission-support departments, the Senior Director will influence talent strategy at scale while also overseeing Stanford’s university-wide Academic Staff–Research (AS-R) program, which supports research scientists, engineers, and scholars across campus. 

About this role: 

This is a highly visible leadership opportunity for an experienced HR executive who enjoys balancing strategic influence with operational excellence. Reporting to the Senior Associate Dean for Finance and Administration, you will serve as the chief people advisor for VPDoR while leading a team of five experienced HR professionals. 

In addition to overseeing the full spectrum of human resources functions for VPDoR, you will provide university-wide leadership for Stanford’s Academic Staff–Research program, helping shape policies, career pathways, compensation structures, and appointment processes for research professionals across the institution. 

You will also play a key role in major organizational change initiatives, including the implementation of Sequoia, Stanford’s next-generation HR information system. 

Scope & Impact 

Human Resources Leadership 

• Serve as the senior HR advisor to VPDoR leadership on organizational effectiveness, workforce strategy, talent management, and employee engagement. 

• Lead enterprise-wide HR initiatives supporting more than 800 staff members across multiple research and administrative organizations. 

• Guide compensation strategy, salary planning, workforce planning, and organizational design efforts. 

• Oversee employee and labor relations matters, including complex performance, disciplinary, and organizational change situations. 

• Champion employee engagement initiatives and foster an inclusive, high-performing workplace culture. 

• Lead talent acquisition, talent development, succession planning, and performance management strategies. 

• Utilize HR analytics and workforce data to inform business decisions and provide recommendations to senior leadership. 

• Ensure alignment with Stanford policies, employment regulations, and University Human Resources initiatives. 

Academic Staff–Research (AS-R) Program Leadership 

• Provide university-wide leadership and oversight of Stanford’s Academic Staff–Research program. 

• Advise schools and departments on appointments, promotions, compensation, and policy interpretation. 

• Partner with Academic Affairs and University Human Resources to develop and maintain policies, procedures, and compliance frameworks. 

• Lead efforts to enhance career development and professional growth opportunities for AS-R professionals. 

• Continuously assess and improve program effectiveness, systems, and processes. 

Change Leadership & Strategic Initiatives 

• Lead complex change management efforts across VPDoR and university-wide initiatives. 

• Partner with stakeholders to develop communication strategies, implementation plans, and success metrics. 

• Support the rollout and adoption of Stanford’s Sequoia HR system and related process improvements. 

• Influence senior leaders and build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree and 12+ years of progressive human resources leadership experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Advanced degree preferred. 

• Minimum of 7 years managing people leaders and professional HR teams. 

• Experience leading HR functions within large, complex organizations. 

• Demonstrated expertise across employee relations, labor relations, compensation, talent acquisition, talent management, organizational development, and employment law. 

• Proven ability to serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives and organizational leaders. 

• Experience leading change management initiatives and driving organizational transformation. 

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to leverage data and workforce metrics to influence decision-making. 

• Experience developing and leading high-performing HR teams. 

• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills. 

• Proficiency with HR technologies, business applications, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace. 

• Experience in academic affairs, higher education, or research environments strongly preferred. 

• SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or equivalent senior-level HR experience preferred. 

• Executive Leadership certification or similar advanced leadership training preferred. 

What’s in it for you: 

Salary Range: $226,820 – $271,308 annually 

Stanford offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees and their families, including: 

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage 

• Retirement savings programs 

• Generous paid time off and holiday schedules 

• Professional development opportunities 

• Tuition assistance programs 

• Access to Stanford’s world-class campus resources and community 

• Wellness and work-life support programs 

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. 

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us. 

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