The Bing Overseas Studies Program (BOSP) at Stanford University is seeking qualified candidates for the Associate Director position at our center in Berlin, Germany. 

The Stanford in Berlin program is comprised of 6 employees who serve an average of 35 students for each of three academic quarters annually, in addition to an internship program. The BOSP Berlin center is housed in the historic Haus Cramer in the district Dahlem. Stanford’s very first study abroad program was established in Beutelsbach, Germany in 1958, which moved to Berlin in 1975. 

The Associate Director reports to the Center Director and has oversight of daily operations of the H.G. Will Center of Stanford University in Berlin, ensuring the effective delivery of academic programs, student services, and operational support. The Associate Director supports the Director in maintaining academic excellence, fostering a positive student experience, and ensuring compliance with both university policies and local regulations. This position also focuses on optimizing resources, managing budgets, overseeing housing arrangements, and maintaining facilities. As a key leader, the Associate Director plays a critical role in the strategic planning, implementation, and management of the center’s activities, collaborating closely with faculty, staff, and local partners.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Program Management and Operations:  

• Manage the daily operations and execution of the Stanford University Berlin program, ensuring alignment with academic goals and student needs.   
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and local partners to ensure courses, excursions, and other academic activities run smoothly. 
• Assist in the development and management of program schedules, curricula, and student assessments.  
• Work closely with the Center Director to plan and execute program-related academic excursions, ensuring they align with program goals and provide meaningful cultural and educational experiences for students. 
• Monitor program outcomes and make recommendations for improvements.  
• Build and maintain relationships with partner institutions, local service providers, external stakeholders, and local authorities, including government bodies and educational organizations, to ensure effective program implementation and compliance. 

Staff Management and Development:  

• Oversee professional staff, temporary workers, and student assistants, including hiring, retention, career coaching, and providing leadership and guidance to foster a collaborative and effective work environment.  
• Collaborate with the Director on staff performance reviews, training needs, and professional development opportunities to ensure all team members are supported in their roles 

Student Health and Wellness:  

• Provide direct support to students regarding academic, housing, and personal matters throughout their study abroad experience.  
• Oversee the planning and execution of student orientation, cultural integration activities, and extracurricular programming. 
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance student engagement, inclusion, and community-building within the center.  
• Ensure timely and appropriate responses to student concerns, and work with the Student Services Coordinator and Director to resolve any issues or emergencies. 
• Develop and enforce health and safety protocols, ensuring students are informed about emergency procedures, access to healthcare, and mental health support resources.  
• Train staff on handling health crises, and act as a point of contact for health emergencies, coordinating with local providers and institutions as needed. 
• Manage and take part in an on-call rotation, ensuring 24/7 availability to respond to student concerns.

Student Housing Oversight:  

• Oversee the planning, finding, vetting, and allocation of student housing.   
• Collaborate with the Finance and Homestay Coordinator and local partners to ensure safe, comfortable, and compliant housing options for students. 
• Monitor housing conditions and ensure timely and effective resolution of any housing concerns. 

Administrative, HR and Financial Oversight:  

• Ensure the Finance Coordinator maintains accurate financial records, adheres to budgetary guidelines, and complies with relevant regulations and policies.  
• Assist in the development and management of the budget, ensuring the efficient use of resources. 
• Manage vendor relationships, housing contracts, and logistical operations related to the center’s facilities.  
• Support the Director in strategic planning and decision-making related to center operations, growth, and long-term sustainability. 
• Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), budget expenditures, and program outcomes.  
• Responsible for coordinating salary and payroll administration with the assistance of staff and external vendors, as well as managing and overseeing timesheet accuracy.  
• Ensure compliance with labor laws and to manage employee contracts 

Facility Management and Building Projects:  

• In consultation with the Director and Facilities Operations Coordinator, oversee the implementation of major building and grounds projects, including collaborating with architects, building contractors, and landscape contractors.  
• Ensure that any facility upgrades, or construction projects are in line with the center’s needs, timelines, and budget. 
• Supervise the progress of such projects, ensuring adherence to local regulations and compliance with safety and design standards. 

Compliance and Policy Management:  

• Ensure compliance with university policies, local laws, and safety regulations in the workplace while overseeing risk management, including the development and implementation of emergency procedures and contingency plans.  
• Safeguard the health and well-being of students and staff by managing safety protocols and insurance requirements. 

These duties may be adjusted as needed to suit the business and academic needs of the Stanford Overseas Studies Program. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

Education and Experience:  

• Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Education, Business Administration, or a related discipline).  
• At least 5 years of experience in higher education administration, program management, or a related field, focusing on operations, student services, or academic program delivery, or a combination of education and experience  
• Proven experience in managing cross-functional teams, including staff and student assistants.  
• Experience in student support services, encompassing health and wellness, crisis management, and student engagement. 
• Demonstrated expertise in budget management, financial oversight, and resource optimization.  
• Experience in overseeing housing arrangements and facility management. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Advanced proficiency in both German and English (written and spoken) for effective communication with diverse stakeholders, including local partners, staff, and students.  
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to inspire and manage staff effectively. 
• Commitment to academic excellence and enhancing the student experience to ensure the overall success of the center’s programs.  
• Ability to establish priorities and manage multiple time-sensitive projects, balancing independent and collaborative work in a team-oriented environment. 
• Competence in budget management, program assessment, and data-driven decision-making.  
• Familiarity with technology resources that support academic programs. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a focus on fostering relationships and collaborations with internal and external stakeholders.  
• Strong problem-solving abilities for promptly addressing student, staff, and operational issues. 
• Proficiency in management software and tools for budgeting, reporting, and staff coordination.  
• Awareness of and sensitivity to the diverse population of Stanford University students. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS* 

• Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.  
• Frequently sitting. 
• Occasionally stand/walk, reach/work above shoulders, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, use a telephone, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 20 pounds or 10 kilos.  
• Rarely twist/bend/stop/squat, kneel/crawl. 

*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. 

WORKING CONDITIONS 

• Must be legally authorized to work in Germany  
• May work variable hours, evenings, or weekends and participate in 24/7 on-call rotation 
• Ability to travel locally and/or internationally with occasional overnight travel 

WORK STANDARDS 

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues, students, and clients and with external organizations.  
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility for a safe environment; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. 
• Subject to comply with all applicable Stanford University policies and procedures, and applicable laws and employment regulations in Berlin, Germany. 

Stanford University is one of the world's leading research and teaching institutions. Our mission is to educate future leaders and promote interdisciplinary, world-class research and teaching. A key aspect of this is to provide serious international educational opportunities to our students. Sustaining and developing these rich offerings is an intensely creative, rewarding, and challenging project.

For more information about the BOSP Berlin Program, please click here.

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, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.