Head of Development (Remote) at Stanford University

The Director of Training, Development & Outreach is a strategic leader within the Stanford School of Medicine’s Research Management Group (RMG), the central office supporting the school’s diverse research enterprise. Reporting to the Assistant Dean for Research Operations, this role builds a unified, skilled, and future-ready research administration workforce across grants administration, clinical research, and clinical studies. The Director designs and leads enterprise-wide training, professional development, and engagement programs that elevate compliance, strengthen service quality, and enhance career mobility. With oversight of onboarding, continuing education, and certification-readiness initiatives, the Director ensures consistent, high-quality learning experiences that support operational excellence across all research administration functions. Duties include: Manage, recruit, and develop staff; oversee team performance, professional growth, and departmental budgets. Lead a comprehensive learning and professional development strategy for research administration across grants, clinical research, and clinical studies. Design and implement enterprise-wide training programs that encompass onboarding, role-based development, certification preparation, and leadership training. Partner with subject matter experts and institutional stakeholders to develop and maintain high-impact learning tools, SOP education, and e-learning platforms that reinforce best practices and regulatory compliance. Oversee instructional design projects to ensure programs align with sponsor regulations, institutional policies, and adult learning principles. Evaluate and prioritize learning needs across Research Operations; recommend scalable and sustainable training solutions that meet faculty and staff needs. Drive community engagement and professional identity through school-wide initiatives, mentoring programs, and internal communications that foster belonging and collaboration across the research administration community. Collaborate with leadership to measure training outcomes, track workforce development metrics, and identify further opportunities for continuous improvement. Represent RMG and Research Operations in cross-campus partnerships to share best practices and ensure alignment with the School of Medicine’s strategic goals. * - DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Organizational Development, Research Administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred). Professional certification (CRA, PMP, CPTD, or similar). 7 years of progressive experience in training, learning design, or workforce development in complex organizations. Demonstrated experience managing professional development programs for adult learners, preferably in research, healthcare, or higher education settings. NIH, NSF) and compliance frameworks affecting research administration. Proficiency with modern learning platforms (e.g., Experience with organizational change or transformation initiatives. Familiarity with Stanford’s research systems and staff community. EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED): Bachelors degree and seven years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience. Excellent management skills. Demonstrated ability to present new projects and goals to senior management; defend/advocate those projects as needed. Ability to provide thought leadership in learning system design and development, and its relationship to performance improvement. Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups, learning team members, vendor partners, and business partners to create a learning environment that is service orientated, supportive, engaging and effective for adult and nontraditional learners. Demonstrated ability to evaluate the effectiveness of learning materials. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Constantly stand/walk, sit, use a computer; use a telephone, grasp lightly/fine manipulation. 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. Travel on campus to schools/units. Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; 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 Universitys Administrative Guide, . Remote : This role is open to candidates anywhere in the United States. Stanford University has five Regional Pay Structures . 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. The Cardinal at Work website ( ) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form . 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 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.