Chief of Staff

🔍 Department of Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation, Stanford, California, United States

📁: Administration

📅   : Jan 26, 2026 Post Date

📅   : 108084 Requisition #

Chief of Staff to the Athletics Director, Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation

Stanford’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (“DAPER”) is the premier intercollegiate athletics and recreation program in the country. With an unparalleled record of 137 NCAA team championships, we are the proud Home of Champions. Our success isn’t just measured in trophies; it’s reflected in the passion of our nearly 900 student-athletes competing across 36 intercollegiate varsity teams. It resonates in our unwavering support for the university’s physical education, recreation, and wellness initiatives. At Stanford, we don’t just embrace excellence; we define it. We don’t just nurture champions; we create them. Our actions are guided by the core tenets of DAPER culture, “The DAPER Way,” which are: Embrace Scholar Athleticism, Pursue and Revere Excellence, Lead with Courage, and Work Cohesively.

Job summary:
The Chief of Staff provides high-level executive support and operational coordination to the Jaquish and Kenninger Director and Chair of Athletics (AD), ensuring the AD’s office operates with focus, efficiency, and impact. This role manages the AD’s priorities, facilitates communication, and coordinates follow-through across the executive team. The Chief of Staff amplifies the AD’s effectiveness by anticipating needs, removing obstacles, and ensuring alignment around the AD’s directives.

Functioning as a strategic partner and problem-solver, the Chief of Staff drives execution of the AD’s agenda and connects key initiatives across units and campus. This role requires exceptional organizational acumen, political savvy, and the ability to navigate complex relationships in a high-profile, fast-paced environment.

Essential job functions:

Manage daily operations for the AD, ensuring focus on high-impact activities and timely follow-through.
Oversee the AD’s complex schedule, travel, and correspondence with professionalism and accuracy.
Draft and refine executive communications, presentations, board updates, donor correspondence, and briefing materials.
Serve as the primary point of contact for high-level stakeholders engaging with the AD.
Coordinate information flow between the AD, executive team, and campus partners to maintain clarity and alignment.
Surface emerging issues requiring the AD’s attention and recommend next steps.

Operational Coordination & Follow-Through

Track progress on key initiatives, meetings, and commitments.
Implement accountability and reporting systems to ensure priorities move forward and outcomes are achieved.

Liaison & Relationship Management

Represent the AD in select meetings to reinforce priorities and maintain alignment.
Act as a trusted connector between the AD and trustees, donors, senior administrators, coaches, and student-athletes.
Handle sensitive and confidential matters with the highest level of professionalism.

Project & Event Execution

Lead and coordinate special projects, retreats, trustee sessions, and high-visibility events involving the AD.
Partner with HR, Finance, Development, Sport Administration, Facilities, and campus offices to ensure seamless cross-functional execution.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

Bachelor’s degree and five years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Prior experience supporting a C-level executive, university leader, or equivalent.
Demonstrated ability to thrive in high-pressure environments requiring sound judgment and discretion.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills (written, verbal, and executive-level)
Strong judgment, professional discretion, and ability to handle confidential information.
Demonstrated ability to manage shifting priorities and execute numerous time-sensitive projects.
Ability to influence and accomplish goals through formal and informal channels with diplomacy and tact.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.
Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively.

High emotional intelligence and stakeholder-management ability.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and project management tools.
Experience in higher education, athletics, or nonprofit organizations preferred.

Success Factors & Performance Measures

The AD’s time and attention remain focused on top priorities.
Stakeholders experience clarity, professionalism, and responsiveness in interactions with the AD’s office.
Meetings, communications, and events involving the AD run seamlessly.
Projects and commitments are tracked, advanced, and completed.
The AD views the Chief of Staff as a trusted and indispensable strategic partner.

Pay Range:
The expected pay range for this position is $120,038 - $153,486 per annum. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs. At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

DAPER’s Integrity:

This position, along with all DAPER coaches and staff, is responsible for the integrity of Stanford’s intercollegiate athletics program and for the reputation of Stanford University. This position is responsible for ensuring that his/her/their involvement with Athletics Department activities maintains the integrity of the University’s reputation and does not negatively impact the relationship between the University and its faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Additionally, this position must comply with University policies and procedures, and ACC rules and regulations.

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 and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu

Why Stanford is for you:

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

How to Apply:

We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button. To be considered, please submit a cover letter and résumé along with your online application. The cover letter should briefly describe why you believe you are a good fit for this position.

Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.

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.

Additional Information