Director, Project Unleaded

Director, Project Unleaded – Inside Higher Ed

2 days ago – Be among the first 25 applicants

Position Announcement : The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability Dean’s Office has removed this role from the hiring pause and considers it critical. The position is based on Stanford’s main campus with a hybrid work schedule (partially onsite and offsite) subject to operational need. Interested candidates must include a resume and cover letter; applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsor or visa requirements.

About Us

The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability strives to create a future when humans and nature thrive in concert and in perpetuity. The school is structured into academic departments, institutes, and the Sustainability Accelerator to drive global impact.

The Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, part of the Doerr School, advances global sustainability through new knowledge and practical solutions. It houses the Center for Human and Planetary Health. Project Unleaded, the Center’s lead contamination research initiative, is a global program to address lead poisoning at the source.

Project Overview

Project Unleaded is a multi‑country research program covering Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and other low‑ and middle‑income countries. It prioritizes policy‑relevant research, engagement with local partners, and robust, evidence‑based interventions. It has secured $11 million in funding and requires a founding Director to lead and manage all program aspects.

Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Independently lead multi‑year, multi‑country research programs addressing lead contamination and own study design, protocol development, field implementation, data collection, and analysis.
• Build and manage a high‑performing team of ~10 staff and postdocs, covering hiring, onboarding, mentoring, performance management, and professional development.
• Oversee 2–4 large international subawards (up to $1 million each) to universities, NGOs and partners, ensuring performance, deliverables and spend.
• Develop and manage budgets; track expenditures, forecast and reallocate resources for program success. Current portfolio exceeds $11 million.
• Lead dissemination efforts, including manuscripts, policy briefs and conference presentations with global health and policy impacts.
• Engage with academic colleagues at Stanford and worldwide to align approaches and cultivate relationships with multilateral institutions (UNICEF, WHO), NGOs and the broader scientific community.
• Serve as the main interface with Project Unleaded’s donors, develop and present donor reports, and partner with Development on stewardship.
• Identify high‑value research questions and competitive funding opportunities; lead fundraising and grant proposal development with Stanford development colleagues.
• Coordinate closely with the Center for Human and Planetary Health to align priorities and maximize impact.
• Lead communications and policy translation; develop clear narratives, support media engagement and stakeholder briefings, and oversee website development for partner tools.
• Manage annual program‑wide progress reviews, evaluating effectiveness, risks, and outcomes.

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree and eight years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Preferred Qualifications

Compensation

Expected pay range : $162,809 to $197,109 per annum. Pay is determined by qualifications, responsibilities, and budget availability.

Benefits

Stanford provides a comprehensive rewards package. Detailed information may be discussed during the hiring process. See the Cardinal at Work website for full benefits overview.

How to Apply

Click the “Apply for Job” button to submit your application. The University will provide reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you need accommodation for any part of the application, contact Stanford Human Resources.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.

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