Business Operations Specialist

This position has been deemed critical by the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability Dean’s Office and is exempt from the hiring pause. This position is based on Stanford’s main campus with consideration given to the option for a hybrid work schedule (partially onsite and offsite), subject to operational need. Interested candidates must include a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment VISA. About Us The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability works toward a world where humans and nature thrive in concert and in perpetuity. The school has a three-part structure: Academic departments and programs educate students and create new knowledge across areas of research that are crucial for advancing the long-term prosperity of the planet and people. Institutes bridge scholarship at Stanford and beyond, bringing multiple viewpoints to bear on urgent challenges. The Sustainability Accelerator serves as a launchpad for sustainability solutions, turning innovative ideas into transformative and scalable technologies and policies that will substantially improve the quality of human life and our planet. The Sustainability Accelerator is rooted in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and works across the University and with external partners to drive solutions from the lab into the world. The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability is dedicated to creating and supporting a community with the richness of experience and background needed to create solutions that benefit all people, particularly those most affected by environmental damage and climate change. For more information, please click here . The Stanford Sustainability Accelerator seeks a collaborative and highly organized professional to support operational effectiveness, process improvement, and knowledge coordination across the organization. Reporting to the Director of Finance and Operations, the Business Operations Specialist will help develop and maintain internal processes, documentation, and systems that support efficient program operations and cross-functional collaboration. This role will work closely with Accelerator leadership and staff to improve workflows, align operational practices, manage internal resources and knowledge repositories, and support organizational initiatives that enable the Accelerator’s continued growth and impact. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, adaptable, and skilled at navigating complex organizational environments while building strong relationships across teams. CORE DUTIES: Independently evaluate programs or functions, and procedures across the Accelerator. Identify issues and own the development of appropriate solutions and tools. Drive the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of operational processes, procedures, and internal documentation across the Accelerator. Develop, coordinate, and maintain organizational knowledge resources, including internal databases, shared drives, intranet content, process guides, and operational documentation. Assess operational workflows and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, communication, and cross-team coordination. Partner with Accelerator leadership and staff to develop, align, and maintain operational policies, procedures, and governance practices. Design and implement systems for organizing and maintaining institutional knowledge and documentation resources. Lead the project management and identified operational initiatives by coordinating timelines, tracking deliverables, maintaining documentation, and facilitating communication across stakeholders. Collaborate with teams across the Accelerator, Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, and the broader university to support consistent operational practices and information sharing. Develop and maintain reporting tools, trackers, templates, and operational resources that support organizational planning and execution. Evaluate operational challenges and recommend practical solutions that enhance organizational effectiveness and user experience. Collaborate on the development of effective onboarding and training efforts by developing and maintaining operational guides, reference materials, and process documentation. Coordinate periodic reviews and updates of operational resources to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and alignment with organizational needs. Assist with special projects and organizational initiatives in support of the Accelerator’s evolving operational priorities. May direct and/or supervise staff. Other tasks and duties as assigned. In addition to the minimum qualifications listed below, our preferred requirements include: Demonstrated ability to successfully interact with a wide variety of stakeholders & experts across different disciplines and guide efforts towards results. Ability to influence without authority. WORKING CONDITIONS: ● Occasional evening and weekend hours. * - 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 the job. The expected pay range for this position is $104,000 to $127,000 per annum. Core Duties : Independently implement, administer and evaluate day-to-day activities of the unit, function or program by identifying and executing tasks and objectives, making recommendations that impact policies and programs, and assigning resources to achieve the goals of the program. Collect and analyze data, create reports, review and explain trends; formulate and evaluate alternative solutions and/or recommendations to achieve the goals of the program or function. Analyze and interpret policies; develop, revise and implement procedures for program or function. Represent the program or function as the key contact and subject matter expert within the department, unit or school. Commit resources and provide information and/or training. May also represent the program or function to external/internal stakeholders and constituencies. Organize and/or participate in outreach activities that may include developing communications and training, planning/promoting events and/or conferences. May participate in development of budgets, monitor, and approve expenditures. May perform limited forecasting and provide recommendations that determine the budget. May direct staff to perform various tasks and assignments. May also supervise staff. Minimum Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities : Demonstrated ability to prioritize own work and multi-task. Demonstrated excellent organizational skills. Demonstrated ability to take initiative and ownership of projects. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to routinely and independently exercise sound judgment in making decisions. Demonstrated experience working independently and as part of a team. Relevant subject matter knowledge. Ability to direct the work of others, for jobs requiring supervision.