Director, Private Capital Institute, Stanford Law School, Executive Education
Stanford University
Application
Details
Posted: 16-Nov-25
Location: Stanford, California
Type: Full-time
Internal Number: 107742
*NOTE: This position has been deemed critical/has specific funding, has been approved by the Law School for posting, and is exempt from the hiring freeze.
Director, Private Capital Institute, Stanford Law School, Executive Education
The Private Capital Institute will serve as Stanford Law School's focal point for executive education, convenings, and practitioner-oriented research across venture capital, growth equity, private equity, and private credit. The Institute's mission is to elevate practice, policy, and leadership in private markets by connecting industry leaders, faculty, and policymakers through high-impact programs and applied insights.This position reports to the Associate Dean for Executive Education and Strategic Partnerships.
Core Activities:
*Executive Education & Communities: Short courses, executive circles, and custom programs for GPs, portfolio leaders, LPs, and corporate partners.
*Flagship Events: An annual Private Capital Summit plus targeted roundtables (e.g., Regulatory Exchange, GC Councils) and on-campus seminars.
*Applied Research & Publications: Practitioner white papers, case studies, and data-driven briefs developed with faculty and industry partners.
*Thought Leadership & Partnerships: Cross-campus collaborations (Law, GSB, Engineering) and alliances with leading firms, investors, and regulators.
Governance:
The Institute will be housed within Executive Education & Strategic Partnerships at Stanford Law School. The Institute will operate in close collaboration with other Stanford Law School centers and initiatives on research, programming, and external engagement.
New Position: Director, Private Capital Institute
The inaugural Director should be a senior private-markets operator who brings deep industry experience, credibility, and a robust network across VC, growth, PE, and private credit. Beyond translating strategy into execution, the Director will set the Institute's industry agenda--shaping practitioner-focused thought leadership, convening top decision-makers, and leveraging long-standing relationships to open doors, secure data/insights, and elevate the Institute as the premier hub for private markets.
As the Institute's founding leader, the Director will establish core operating processes, but their differentiator is industry leadership: curating the most relevant topics, mobilizing marquee speakers and sponsors, and co-creating applied content (white papers, case studies, benchmarks) that influences practice and policy.
In practice, the Director will:
*Lead Industry Thought Leadership: Set the thematic roadmap; originate and co-author practitioner white papers and case studies; secure industry data partnerships; develop an editorial calendar that surfaces timely, actionable insights. Lead and oversee development, implementation, administration, and operations of new Institute.Lead strategic planning for the Institute.
*Leverage and Expand Networks:Represent the Institute to the broader university, external community, and other stakeholders. Provide expert consultation related to program development, funding opportunities, or other specialty area.Activate C-suite, investment manager, institutional investor, advisor, and regulator relationships to recruit speakers, sponsors, and collaborators; build an advisory bench and community of recurring contributors.
*Launch & Scale Operations: Stand up the Institute's brand and governance; create repeatable playbooks for events, executive education, and custom offerings; ensure on-time, high-quality delivery.
*Develop Programs & Partnerships: Design the Private Capital Summit (flagship) and targeted convenings (e.g., Regulatory Exchange, GC Councils); scope client needs and align faculty/industry experts.
*Drive Revenue: Build sponsorship/major-gift pipelines; craft tiered benefits; set pricing for programs/custom engagements; track conversion, renewals, and multi-year commitments in partnership with Development.
*Steward Reputation & Communications:Develop outreach strategy related to program communications, development, partnerships and fundraising/funding. Set quality standards for participant experience and content; coordinate announcements and media with SLS Communications; measure and publish impact.
*Build the Team (upon fundraising success): Hire and mentor staff across programs, partnerships, and content/research; institute performance management and professional development.
Minimum Requirements:
Education & Experience:
Advanced degree and five years of relevant experience in area of specialization or combination of relevant education, training, and/or experience. For jobs with financial responsibilities, experience managing a budget and developing financial plans. Experience developing program partnerships and funding sources.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Ability to develop program partnerships and funding sources.
Advanced oral, written, and analytical skills, exhibiting fluency in area of specialization.
Ability to oversee and direct staff.
Ability to manage budgets and develop financial plans.
* - 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 the job.
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.
Pay Transparency:
The expected pay range for this position is $139,741 to $179,496 per annum.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. 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.
Stanford Law School seeks to hire the best talent and to promote a safe and secure environment for all members of the university community and its property. To that end, new staff hires must successfully pass a background check prior to starting work at Stanford University.
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.
Note: 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.
Why work at Stanford?Stanford University has changed the world, over and over again.We are one of Silicon Valley's largest employers - and also one of the most unique. Our mission is to educate future leaders and promote interdisciplinary, world-class research and teaching. This passion makes Stanford an intensely creative, rewarding, and challenging place to work. At the same time, our traditions of respect and collaboration sustain a humane, supportive environment in which to pursue your life and your career.At Stanford you'll work with bright, diverse, dedicated people. You'll find encouragement to learn and grow. You'll enjoy excellent benefits and an outstanding environment. How will it change you?
