Chief of Operations

Established in November of 2011 through a generous gift from Robert and Dorothy King, the Stanford Institute for Innovation in Developing Economies (SEED) is a university-wide institute housed in the Graduate School of Business. The aim of the institute is to stimulate the creation of economic opportunities through innovation, entrepreneurship, and growth of businesses that change the lives of people who live in poverty around the world.

The core of SEED’s strategy is direct and continuing engagement on the ground; this requires a physical presence that allows us to work in close collaboration with our clients. A physical presence in key regions will be embodied by Innovation and Entrepreneurship centers through which most of our initiatives will be delivered. The Chief of Operations will be the primary architect of SEED’s global presence in developing economies: S/he will be responsible for designing business processes that relate to performance management, assessment of new geographies, implementation of SEED’s strategy, compliance with international and legal standards, and training and development of SEED staff and affiliates (including alumni). In addition to acting as SEED’s Chief of Operations, s/he will also serve as the Executive Director’s deputy.


ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as Chief Operating Officer of SEED worldwide, and deputy to Executive Director

• Lead implementation of SEED strategy worldwide
  
  
• Responsibility for defining needs and coordinating provision of infrastructure for SEED US and international operations, including facilities, IT, utilities, transportation, etc.

• Lead SEED strategic and operational planning, including budgets and control processes

• Accountability for international operations. Regional Directors of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Centers and local operations (West and East Africa, Asia, etc) will report directly to the position. Will also manage country program managers in non-hub affiliate countries and Stanford-based operations staff.

• Leadership of SEED relationships with Stanford and GSB support groups including technology licensing, legal, facilities and other university functions

• Leadership of SEED HR needs assessment and, working with GSB HR, development and implementation of training programs for on the ground as well as US based personnel, including volunteers working in regional hubs (e.g. alumni)

• Ensure compliance with local and international regulatory and legal requirements

• Define operational metrics for business performance and track performance of SEED operations

• Responsibility for SEED operations progress reports to Executive Director

• Lead the development and maintenance of relationships with supply chain and other commercial partners around the world and manage connections with SEED-affiliated businesses and entrepreneurs

• Represent SEED at domestic and international forums in furtherance of SEED objectives, as directed by Executive Director.

• Minimum 15 years total professional experience with 10+ years of management experience with minimum 5 years at senior corporate management at director or vice president level. General management experience is strongly preferred.

• Senior management in an operations function, including significant people management and development preferably at private sector multinational corporation

• Creative leader. Successful track record of applying creative/innovation solutions to complex issues in extreme conditions (territory is unchartered and business environment is challenging)

• Ability to thrive under ambiguous circumstances. Demonstrated ability to set-up and manage global operations when faced with significant ambiguity

• International management experience including developing country work is required.

• Ability to command respect easily both from subordinates and colleagues

• Superior communication (writing and verbal) skills

• Strong team building experience and skills

• Analytical thinker, and facility with detailed planning and execution

• Flexibility to travel internationally (may be 30% of time)

• High comfort level with technology
  
  
• High level of integrity
  
  
• A believer in the SEED mission
  

• MBA or other advanced degree preferred