The Bing Overseas Studies Program (BOSP) at Stanford University is seeking qualified candidates for the Program and Student Life Assistant 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 Program and Student Life Assistant plays an integral role in providing student services, administrative, and logistical support for the Bing Overseas Studies Program (BOSP) in Berlin. This position supports the program team to ensure the smooth running of operations at the local level. A major focus of the position is fostering a supportive and engaging student environment, helping build a sense of community, and ensuring that students' needs are met in line with the program's goals. While this position reports to the Program Director and is supervised by the Student Services and Academic Coordinator, it assists all team members in a collaborative and dynamic setting.

*This is a TEMPORARY CONTRACT position, ending on June 30, 2025.

CORE DUTIES

Program Assistance

• Serve as the first point of contact at the Stanford Berlin Center by greeting visitors, answering phones, and providing information on procedures and general inquiries, while ensuring that classrooms and facilities are ready for the day each weekday.
• Maintain the organization and aesthetics of the Center, including decorations, office materials, and the display of Stanford branding.
• Perform office duties including, but not limited to, handling of incoming and outgoing mail, entering data, reports, or spreadsheets, making copies, and monitoring and ordering supplies.
• Assist in the creation and dissemination of program materials, including presentations, handouts, brochures, reports, and event communications.
• Maintain stock of program supplies (e.g., office materials, toiletries, hospitality items) and request replenishments as needed.
• Assist in the planning and participation in program events, such as meals, cultural outings, and social activities.
• Run errands for the program as necessary.
• Assist with logistics and preparations for student field trips and other class or program excursions.

Student Life Support

• Support the organization and administration of student orientation and events, in collaboration with the Director and staff.
• Manage and promote active social media accounts to keep students informed and engaged.
• Respond to inquiries from students, faculty, and external contacts, serving as a knowledgeable resource.
• Help address program-related issues and concerns by working closely with the team to find solutions.
• Contribute to the development and upkeep of student resources such as pre-departure materials, guides, program protocols, and emergency plans.
• Advise students on a variety of topics, including personal matters, accessibility, local activities, and the local environment, assisting them in making informed decisions.
• Help students navigate available resources and support them in their academic and personal goals.
• Encourage student participation in program activities, addressing any barriers to inclusion.
• Monitor the overall climate among students, reporting any concerns, emergencies, or challenges (e.g., social issues, integration challenges) to the Director and team.

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

• BA and two years of relevant work experience or a combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficiency in both German and English (both written and spoken) at an advanced level, enabling effective communication with diverse stakeholders, including local partners, staff, and students.
• Knowledge of both American and German culture, history, and social norms.
• Demonstrated intercultural and communicative competence.
• Computer proficiency with skill in using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Ability to work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive and supportive attitude
• Ability to accomplish goals by tactfully working through formal and informal channels, as appropriate.
• Strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy.
• Demonstrated creativity, problem solving, critical analysis, initiative, judgement, and decision-making skills.
• Understanding of working in a complex university or similar environment with proven ability to exercise patience and flexibility with students, staff, and faculty and outside constituents.
• Awareness of and sensitivity to the diverse population of Stanford University students, faculty and visitors to the Center.
• Strong interpersonal skills, adept at fostering and maintaining effective collaboration, trust, teamwork and respect.

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/stoop/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
• Participate in 24/7 on-call rotation
• May work variable hours, evenings, or weekends within German legal framework.

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 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.