Job Title: Academic Program Professional 2
Working Title: Director, Summer Bridge Programs
VPUE Unit: Academic Advising
Location: Hybrid (at least 3 days on campus each week)
Job Code: 4112
Job Grade: J
Exemption Status: Full-time, Exempt, Continuing
Heralded as a hub of undergraduate innovation, the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education (VPUE) creates and sustains meaningful interactions between students and faculty both within and outside the classroom. As a collaborative team member of VPUE, you have a unique opportunity to advance and support programs that touch and enhance the lives of every undergraduate student at Stanford. https://undergrad.stanford.edu/advising
The Office of Academic Advising seeks an inaugural Director of Summer Bridge Programs to design and lead two programs that are a key part of the Leveling the Learning Landscape (L3) initiative within the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education (VPUE). The L3 initiative is a multi-year strategic effort to equalize educational access and opportunity for all Stanford undergraduates through curricular innovation and institutional reform. The Summer Bridge Programs aim to foster early academic success, confidence, and belonging in the summers before and after a student’s first year at Stanford. The Director oversees a team of ongoing and seasonal staff and ensures these programs achieve the desired learning outcomes in alignment with L3 and University priorities.
The Pre-orientation Program (POP; final name TBD) supports students who face gaps in prior preparation for first-year course work during their transition to Stanford through comprehensive programming starting the summer before their frosh year at Stanford. POP is a six-week academic bridge program that includes an online track and a residential track, with the latter occurring just before New Student Orientation. The inaugural program will be launched in summer 2025 and aims to serve 250 to 300 students in total between online and academic tracks.
The Director also oversees a second program–the Stanford Summer Fellows Program (SSFP), which aims to identify and provide research, academic, and experiential opportunities for students the summer before their sophomore year to reduce barriers to later engagements and allow time to focus on a key course outside of the academic year. The program brings 50-75 rising sophomore FLI students to campus for an eight-week program, including a course, experiential learning (e.g., research experience), and programming.
Beyond the summer programs, the Director heads a dynamic team to design and lead academic student support initiatives for program participants and other FLI and underprepared students during the academic year.
The Director reports to the Dean of Academic Advising, with a dotted reporting line to the Summer Bridge Programs Faculty Director. Beyond Academic Advising and VPUE, the Director will collaborate and partner closely with colleagues and teams in the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs, the three undergraduate schools, and instructors to run these programs and ensure coordinated support for FLI and underprepared students.
In this role, you will:
· In collaboration with the Faculty Director, design, launch, and oversee all aspects of the POP and SSFP programs to promote student success. Elements include coursework, residential experiences, online experiences, experiential learning opportunities, academic advising (see below), mentorship, networking and career guidance, community building, academic-year seminars, and workshops.
· Design student selection criteria in collaboration with Faculty Director, advisory bodies, and other partners; design and oversee outreach, application, and selection processes.
· Collaborate with Faculty Director, faculty advisory board, and instructors to support curricular program components; partner with key departments and programs to provide appropriate academic coaching and skills-building support in critical courses.
· Lead design and implementation of academic year programs (such as seminars) building on summer programs and providing additional support and community for participants.
· Consult and partner with other units (e.g., FLI student success center, career education, and undergraduate research) to develop and provide community building, experiential learning, and other co-curricular programming.
· Work with Academic Advising, community centers, the Financial Aid Office, Summer Session, and other campus partners to support student wellbeing and success.
· Ensure that students have access to academic advising services and support on a range of issues, including, but not limited to, academic progress, individual curricular pathways, academic program policies, career plans, accessibility, community standards, etc., to assist them in making appropriate choices and decisions.
· Partner with assessment professionals on program evaluation; make recommendations and plans for improving future iterations of the programs.
· Assist in developing the strategy, mission, and vision across Leveling the Learning Landscape programs (from pre-frosh academic preparation, frosh year courses, pre-sophomore year programs, and beyond) to provide a robust academic experience for all students.
· Analyze and support students' progression through L3 programs; advise and suggest ways to build connections among programs, with academic departments, etc.
· Supervise three full-time staff members and oversee seasonal undergraduate/graduate student staff and non-academic staff.
· Resolve complex programmatic and student issues in partnership with relevant partners and in compliance with legal, financial, and university policies.
· Develop and monitor program budgets and expenses.
· Develop and/or contribute to outreach strategy related to program communications, development, partnerships (e.g., with VPUE External Relations and Office of Development), and fundraising/funding.
· Prepare presentations and reports to share with internal and external stakeholders.
· May work extended hours, evenings, or weekends. Note that an intense period of program activity occurs in the summer period. Expected to work onsite five days a week during summer programs.
· Frequently stand/walk, sit, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, and perform desk-based computer tasks. Occasionally use a telephone, writing by hand, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 40 pounds. Rarely sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh >40 pounds. Ability to use voice to present information/communicate with others. On-campus mobility.
**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.
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
● Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience or combination of education, training, and relevant experience. Advanced degree preferred.
● Excellent skills in program administration.
● Understanding of college-level curriculum development and delivery; teaching experience preferred.
● Strong focus on academic success and motivation; experience with first-generation and/or low-income students or underserved populations preferred.
● Advanced communication skills to clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences.
● Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to review and analyze complex information.
● Advanced computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
● Understanding of financial transactions and budget experience preferred.
● Ability to ensure and apply compliance with legal, financial, and university policies and external regulations.
● Experience overseeing and directing staff.
*-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.
About the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education (VPUE)
As the designated gateway to undergraduate education at Stanford, VPUE strives to connect students intellectually with the full range of our educational opportunities and to promote the active engagement of all faculty, instructors and staff with undergraduate students.
For undergraduates, VPUE is the nexus for programs and initiatives that help students define and achieve their intellectual ambitions and develop a sense of civic purpose at Stanford. These include investigative introductory courses taught by esteemed faculty, targeted classes in writing and rhetoric, undergraduate research support, academic advising and mentoring, overseas and off-campus study programs, evidence-based and inclusive learning and teaching practices, and opportunities to pursue public service campus-wide. For faculty, VPUE serves as a principal conduit for furthering interaction with undergraduates and discovering ways in which working with students can enrich one’s research agenda. VPUE collaborates with faculty, staff and students to provide the world-class experiences for which Stanford is known. All VPUE resources are dedicated to involving faculty with the undergraduate experience, connecting students with transformative opportunities and fully realizing a liberal education at Stanford.
The Office of Academic Advising directly impacts the experience of Stanford undergraduates in three major ways: first year and transfer student transition; pre-major and pre-professional advising; and academic standing and petitions. As the hub of critical aspects of the undergraduate experience, the entire Advising staff is highly visible in the lives of undergraduates. Advising staff is also uniquely responsible for and responsive to issues and concerns from parents regarding students’ transition to college and their academic welfare over the course of their undergraduate years.
VPUE advocates for and supports diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at Stanford through our teaching, policies, programming, and partnerships across the university. VPUE seeks to create a work environment motivated and shaped by the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, in which all staff explicitly and mindfully act to implement these principles. We seek a work environment which values input from all, transparency and openness in decision-making, and respectful and supportive engagement.
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 individuals 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 course auditing opportunities. 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. Climb our rock wall, or 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!
*-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.
The expected pay range for this position is $120,000 to $135,000 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.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to work for an organization that nurtures diversity, respect, professional development and a supportive work-life balance, we invite you to explore this opportunity and apply online. To be considered, please submit a cover letter and resume along with your online application. Your one-page cover letter should briefly describe your background and experience in working with undergraduate students as they explore academic and co-curricular choices.
http://stanfordcareers.stanford.edu
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Additional Information Schedule: Full-time Job Code: 4112 Employee Status: Regular Grade: J Requisition ID: 105439 Work Arrangement : Hybrid Eligible