Practicum and Curriculum Manager

This position is based on Stanford’s main campus with consideration given to the option for a hybrid work schedule (partially onsite and offsite), subject to operational need.

Interested candidates must include a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

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 made up of a three-part structure to drive global impact : Our academic departments and programs educate students and create new knowledge across areas of research that are crucial for advancing the long-term prosperity of the planet and people;

Institutes bridge scholarship at Stanford and beyond, bringing multiple viewpoints to bear on urgent challenges; The Sustainability Accelerator drives new policy and technology solutions through a worldwide network of partners who work with our teams to develop solutions at a global scale.

The school is dedicated to creating and supporting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, and to creating solutions that benefit all people, particularly those most affected by environmental damage and climate change.

About the Position

The Sustainability Science and Practice Master’s Program is seeking an experienced sustainability practitioner, educator, and curriculum developer to join our team as a full-time Practicum and Curriculum Manager.

The ideal candidate for this role is a creative and collaborative systems thinker, excellent communicator, and diligent project manager who enjoys mentoring master's-level students and is passionate about cutting-edge sustainability curriculum and pedagogy.

Primary Duties

As manager of the Sustainability Leadership Practicum, you will be responsible for maximizing student learning and engagement and ensuring smooth and effective practicum operations. This includes :

• Extensive advising and mentoring of students throughout the year, including coaching students on the application of core curricular frameworks and skills as they advance through the stages of their practica.
• Evaluating and providing feedback to students on their practicum proposals, critical analyses, and final deliverables.
• Developing, enhancing, and maintaining practicum resources, systems, and communication materials (proposal forms, syllabus, Canvas course page, video library, etc.).
• Hosting workshops to support students with practicum planning and develop their skills in systems mapping, theory of change, and other relevant topics.
• Planning and facilitating practicum presentation events, including leading Q&A sessions to evaluate depth of understanding and foster learning among students.
• Conducting outreach and building relationships with external stakeholders such as practicum organizations as well as partnering with relevant offices at Stanford.
• Establishing and fostering connections with SUST alumni to support the practicum.
• Evaluating practicum effectiveness and recommending and implementing improvements to practicum policies and practices.

You will also play a central role in strengthening and expanding the SUST curriculum and the SUST program overall. This includes :

• Planning and administering annual curriculum review.
• Engaging staff, faculty, students, alumni, and sustainability practitioners to identify emerging curricular needs and opportunities.
• Developing recommendations for curricular improvements based on feedback, literature reviews, and learning from other institutions.
• Developing recommendations and aiding faculty in more fully integrating social and environmental justice, indigenous ways of knowing, perspectives from the global south, and other key aspects of sustainability into curriculum.
• Developing new case studies and other curricular materials that illustrate key concepts.
• Evaluating courses across the university for alignment with program learning objectives and making recommendations for inclusion in the SUST curriculum.
• Developing resources to aid program staff and faculty with curricular advising.
• Designing and implementing strategies for program learning and impact evaluation (surveys, focus groups, etc.), distilling findings, and making recommendations.
• Collaborating with program colleagues to improve operational efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability.
• Collaborating and supporting program staff to implement and execute program events throughout the year.
• Reviewing prospective student applications and assisting with program admissions.
• Occasionally lecturing in SUST or other SDSS courses.
• Participating in events and school-wide initiatives as an active member of the SDSS community.

To be successful in this position, you will need :

• An advanced degree (PhD preferred) in an interdisciplinary field or in natural or social sciences, and a minimum of three years of practical experience advancing sustainability in collaboration with diverse stakeholders across sectors.
• Ability to develop program partnerships and funding sources.
• Excellent oral, written, and analytical skills, exhibiting fluency in area of specialization.
• Ability to oversee and direct staff.
• Basic knowledge of managing budgets and developing financial plans.

In addition, our preferred qualifications include :

• Flexible, open-minded, and collaborative work style.
• Exceptional team player, ready to support others to achieve common goals.
• Inclusive leader with track record creating environments that foster belonging and community.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and judgment.
• Ability to navigate and innovate in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, enhance, and evaluate programs and curricula.
• Knowledge of theoretical and practical curricula pertaining to sustainability.
• Strong track record of mentoring and inspiring students.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
• Demonstrated problem solving, critical analysis, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and advance partnerships.
• Experience designing and convening workshops.
• Experience designing and delivering lectures, preferably at the graduate level.
• Experience with program learning and evaluation, including developing surveys and leading focus groups.
• Strong planning and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to establish priorities, advance multiple projects concurrently, and meet deadlines.

Of particular interest are candidates who possess deep theoretical knowledge and first-hand experience working in complex social-environmental systems, as well as candidates with knowledge and experience across multiple thematic areas such as water, energy, food, urban planning, health, justice, and / or other domains pertinent to sustainability.

How to Apply

A variety of soft skills and experience may be required for the following role Please ensure you check the overview below carefully.

We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the Apply for Job button. Please include with your application a CV or resume and a cover letter that speaks to your interest and qualifications for the role.

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