Director of Operations, Executive Education at Stanford Law School: Salary, Requirements & Application Guide

Introduction

Are you seeking high-impact leadership roles in higher education? The Director of Operations, Executive Education at Stanford Law School position offers a prime opportunity at Stanford University. Posted on October 30, 2025, this hybrid-eligible role (Job ID: 107644) is based in Stanford, California. With a competitive salary range of $160,294 to $199,273 annually, it targets seasoned professionals ready to manage operations for executive-level legal education programs.

This guide breaks down the job essentials, drawing from Stanford’s official postings. Whether you’re exploring Stanford University careers in executive education or advancing in operations management, understanding this role’s scope can position you for success. Stanford Law School, renowned for its top-ranked programs, delivers executive education through short courses, certificates, and custom initiatives for global leaders.

Why This Role Stands Out

In the competitive landscape of hybrid jobs in higher education, this position combines prestige, flexibility, and substantial compensation. Stanford’s hybrid model supports work-life balance while demanding excellence in operational leadership.

Analysis

The Director of Operations role in Executive Education at Stanford Law School focuses on streamlining program delivery, team coordination, and resource allocation. Stanford University, a leader in academic innovation, structures this position within its School of Law to support non-degree programs for professionals.

Core Responsibilities

Based on standard duties for similar roles at elite institutions, expect oversight of daily operations, including event logistics, participant services, budgeting, and compliance with university policies. This involves collaborating with faculty, vendors, and Stanford’s central administration to execute high-caliber executive programs.

Required Qualifications

Candidates typically need a bachelor’s degree (advanced preferred) in business, law, education, or related fields, plus 8+ years in operations management. Proven experience in executive education, higher education administration, or program management is essential. Skills in project management tools, financial oversight, and stakeholder engagement align with Stanford’s expectations.

Work Environment

Hybrid eligibility means blending on-campus presence in Stanford, CA, with remote work. This setup is ideal for California-based professionals, offering proximity to Silicon Valley’s innovation hub while leveraging Stanford’s world-class resources.

Summary

In summary, the Director of Operations for Executive Education at Stanford Law School is a strategic leadership position with a salary band of $160,294–$199,273 USD per year. Hybrid work from Stanford, CA, suits experienced operations experts passionate about legal education. This role advances Stanford’s mission to educate global executives through premium programs, demanding operational precision and innovation.

Key Points

Practical Advice

Securing a Stanford Law School operations director role requires targeted preparation. Start by reviewing the full job description on Stanford’s careers portal.

How to Apply

1. Tailor Your Resume: Highlight quantifiable achievements, such as “Managed $X million budget for Y programs, increasing efficiency by Z%.”
2. Customize Cover Letter: Connect your experience to Stanford’s executive education goals, referencing specific Law School programs like the Executive Program for Lawyers.
3. Leverage Networks: Use LinkedIn to connect with Stanford alumni or current staff in executive education.
4. Prepare for Interviews: Expect behavioral questions on crisis management, budgeting, and DEI initiatives, common in university hiring.

Skill-Building Tips

Enhance your profile with certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) or experience in CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), widely used in higher ed operations. Volunteer for conference logistics to build relevant portfolio pieces.

Points of Caution

While attractive, this role demands caution in several areas:

• Competitive Application Pool: Stanford roles attract global talent; apply early via the official portal to avoid missing deadlines.
• Hybrid Expectations: Verify on-site requirements, as they may increase for program events.
• Salary Negotiation: Base pay is experience-based; research via Glassdoor or levels.fyi for leverage, but Stanford’s offers are structured.
• Relocation Challenges: Stanford, CA, has high housing costs (median home ~$2M); factor in commuting from affordable areas like San Jose.

Comparison

Compared to similar executive education operations roles, Stanford’s offering excels in prestige and pay.

Vs. Peer Institutions

Data sourced from public postings and salary aggregators (2023–2025). Stanford leads due to its endowment and Bay Area premiums.

Industry Benchmarks

Higher ed operations directors average $120K–$160K nationally (BLS data), but elite law schools command 20–30% premiums for executive education expertise.

Legal Implications

Employment in California carries specific legal considerations under state and federal law.

Key Regulations

• At-Will Employment: California is at-will, but Stanford provides progressive discipline per union agreements (if applicable).
• Wage and Hour Laws: Exempt salaried role; overtime not applicable. Salary meets FLSA thresholds.
• Non-Compete Clauses: Generally unenforceable in CA (Business & Professions Code §16600), protecting mobility.
• DEI and ADA Compliance: Stanford mandates inclusive hiring; accommodations available for hybrid roles.
• IP Ownership: University inventions belong to Stanford; review policies during onboarding.

Consult an employment attorney for personalized advice; all verifiable via CA Labor Code and Stanford HR guidelines.

Conclusion

The Director of Operations, Executive Education at Stanford Law School represents a career pinnacle for operations leaders in legal education. With its generous $160,294–$199,273 salary, hybrid flexibility, and Stanford prestige, it’s a role for those driving excellence in executive programs. Apply strategically, build requisite skills, and navigate California’s job market to seize this opportunity. Stanford’s legacy of innovation awaits committed professionals.

FAQ