Executive Director, Deborah L. Rhode Center on the Legal Profession, Stanford Law School
: Job Details :

Executive Director, Deborah L. Rhode Center on the Legal Profession, Stanford Law SchoolSchool of Law, Stanford, California, United StatesAdministrationJul 11, 2025 Post Date106833 Requisition #

*NOTE: This position has been deemed critical/has specific funding, has been approved by the Law School for posting, and is exempt from the hiring freeze.

Executive Director, Deborah L. Rhode Center on the Legal Profession, Stanford Law School

About the CenterThrough a multidisciplinary approach to teaching, research, and policy, the Deborah L. Rhode Center on the Legal Profession works to make civil justice more equitable, accessible, and transparent and to promote the legal profession's commitment to the public interest. In support of that mission, the Rhode Center promotes original cutting-edge research by Stanford professors, students, and post-graduate fellows, as well as collaborative projects with other institutions. The Center also organizes and sponsors lectures, panels, workshops, and conferences, to bring together leading experts across a range of disciplines. Through such efforts, the Center seeks to connect theory with practice and advance policies that will address the challenges of a rapidly changing civil justice system.

Job DescriptionThe Executive Director for the Center on the Legal Profession, a full-time position, will serve as the chief staff person for the center, collaborating with and reporting to the Faculty Co-Directors, Professor Nora Freeman Engstrom and Professor David Freeman Engstrom. The Executive Director will work at Stanford Law School along with academic and program staff, communicate with faculty and students, and interface with external partners and vendors to advance the Rhode Center's ambitious goals and critical mission. This position will supervise staff for the Center.In this position you will:

• Lead and oversee development, implementation, administration, and evaluation of research initiatives and programming.This includes working with the Faculty Directors to develop and pursue the Rhode Center's substantive direction and goals. This may include identifying topics for research and courses, engaging in research projects with the Faculty Directors and affiliated faculty, and participating in special projects.
• As defined by the faculty co-directors, lead the strategic operational planning around the Center's mission.
• Conduct original research and produce exceptional written work product, in coordination with other Rhode Center team leaders.
• Develop outreach strategy related to program communications, development, partnerships and fundraising/funding. Identify external funding opportunities in consultation with our External Relations team and write proposals and research grants. Develop and oversee strategic financial planning and sustainability for the program/entity, as needed; monitor performance and ensure appropriate controls.
• Steward the Center's Advisory Forum, including working closely with the law school's development team to identify funding strategy generally and specifically with regard to the Center's Advisory Forum, comprised of leaders from law firms, legal technology companies, and corporate legal offices.
• Represent the Center to the broader University, external community, and other stakeholders.Create and manage content of the Center website and related publications, including reports, proposals, policy briefings, brochures, and newsletters.
• Co-teach courses and Policy Labs, oversee the administration of courses, and create and/or advise in the development of curriculum and advise students.
• Coach and mentor Rhode Center staff and Research Fellows.
• Manage outside vendor relationships, including managing the design and development of the Center's website.
• Work cooperatively with other law school Centers and Programs to advance the educational and research mission of the law school and Stanford University.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree and five years of relevant experience in area of specialization or combination of relevant education, training, and/or experience.JD required. Working as an attorney and pursing research or policy is preferred. Experience managing a budget and developing financial plans. Experience developing program partnerships and funding sources.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to develop programs, program partnerships and funding sources.
• Advanced oral, written, and analytical skills, exhibiting fluency in area of specialization.
• Ability to oversee and direct staff.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to manage budgets and develop financial plans.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Interpersonal skills and an ability to manage staff and work in a collaborative academic setting.
• 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 their job.

WORK STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide,

How to apply: All interested and qualified applicants must submit their

resume and a cover letter

via the Stanford Jobs website ( and search using job number 106833. The cover letter should describe your interest in the legal profession in general and this position in particular. The last day to apply is August 15, 2025.

The expected pay range for this position is $140,184 to $175,260 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 () 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.

Stanford Law School seeks to hire the best talent and to promote a safe and secure environment for all members of the university community and its property. To that end, new staff hires must successfully pass a background check prior to starting work at Stanford University.

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.

*Note: 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.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time
• Job Code: 4113
• Employee Status: Regular
• Grade: K
• Requisition ID: 106833
• Work Arrangement : Hybrid Eligible, On Site

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