Executive Assistant

Dean of Research, Stanford, California, United States

Post Date:
Dec 19, 2025 | Requisition #: 107970

The Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI) is Stanford University's primary interdisciplinary research and teaching institute on international policy and international affairs. FSI produces scholarships, teaches and trains future leaders and scholars in international studies, and informs and influences policy making around the world.

The Executive Assistant provides high-level administrative and operational support to the incoming Director of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI). Serving as a key representative of the Director’s office, this position manages complex and dynamic scheduling, coordinates high-profile meetings and events, oversees domestic and international travel, and ensures smooth communication with internal and external stakeholders. The role requires exceptional judgment, discretion, and the ability to anticipate needs in a fast-paced, high-visibility academic environment.

The ideal candidate will be organized, proactive, and comfortable working with senior university leadership, faculty, donors, government officials, and international partners. This position plays a central role in ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of the Director’s office and contributes to the broader mission of FSI.

• Plan and schedule complex calendar(s) with limited or no consultation, resolve calendaring conflicts. Negotiate and manage the needs of individuals or groups requesting time with the supervisor, independently committing his/her time. May occasionally represent the supervisor by attending meetings in his/her absence; speaking for the supervisor.
• Act on behalf of the supervisor in regards to establishing priorities and identifying and resolving problems that are administrative in nature. Use independent judgment to keep supervisor informed of all matters that require his/her attention.
• Serve as the liaison to various internal and external constituencies, including screening correspondence and telephone calls; keep the supervisor informed of all matters requiring his/her attention.
• Independently prioritize, plan, coordinate and/or oversee logistics and conferences with individuals and entities internal and external to the university, including executive and senior level staff, donors and government officials.
• Compose correspondence; develop, review and edit presentations and documentation; independently research and analyze associated issues and/or compile materials needed for presentation and/or decision making purposes.
• Manage complex business travel in compliance with unit, university, and sponsor policies.
• Prepare reports and analyses, identify adverse trends and make appropriate recommendations or conclusions.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously. Anticipate and track initial dates, events and associated action items; follow up with appropriate parties on behalf of supervisor to ensure deadlines are met.
• May also supervise staff.

High school diploma and five years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.

• Demonstrated high-level administrative experience which includes advanced computer skills and demonstrated experience with office software and email applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including editing and proofreading.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to take initiative and ownership of projects.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to perform duties with a high level of professionalism, flexibility, discretion, judgment, diplomacy and tact.
• Ability to multi-task, adapt to changing priorities and meet deadlines.

• Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Frequently sit.
• 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…