Portfolio Specialist

The Hoover Institution seeks a Portfolio Specialist to support and operationally energize the policy and research agenda of the Technology and Manufacturing Leadership (TML) team, a new Hoover program operating within the Commons Initiative. 

TML is focused on producing research and reality-based, actionable outputs dedicated to how the US and its allies and partners can maintain technology and manufacturing leadership. TML’s research agenda centers on identifying and exploring opportunities to advance innovation and production capability across several industrial sectors. TML will consider how to deploy strategic capitalism and a whole-of-nation approach to technological transformation, how to forge deeper cooperation with democratic nations to implement, and how to assess and activate the full stack of factors that contribute to the ability to make complex products. Several workstreams are being developed, including semiconductors, industrial biomanufacturing, and advanced manufacturing, as well as research tools that drive technological innovation. 

The Portfolio Specialist role is to develop, implement, and administer the vision, strategy, and goals of the team’s portfolio. The program is in its ramp-up phase. Ideal candidates are self-directed, organized, and accountable in dynamic, highly collaborative environments. Positivity, resilience under pressure, and strong problem-solving skills are essential. The role requires someone who brings consistent energy and humility to the team. Program management experience, strong writing skills and budget oversight are preferred but not required. Competence in visual display tools and tech literacy is an asset. Expertise in adjacent domains—political science, economics, law, engineering—is equally welcome with demonstrated willingness to learn the technology landscape. 

Studies have shown that people from certain backgrounds are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. We may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

The position is not a research position, but an operational role. 

A cover letter and resume are required for full consideration.

This position is a two-year fixed term contract.

WORK ARRANGEMENT: This position will be based on the Stanford campus and may be considered for an option of one or two day/week telecommuting (hybrid of working on-site and off-site), subject to operational need.

Responsibilities

Core Duties:

• Independently implement, administer and evaluate day-to-dayactivities of the unit, function or program by identifying and executingtasks and objectives, making recommendations that impact policies andprograms, and assigning resources to achieve the goals of theprogram.

• Collect and analyze data, create reports, review and explaintrends; formulate and evaluate alternative solutions and/orrecommendations to achieve the goals of the program orfunction.

• Analyze and interpret policies; develop, revise and implementprocedures for program or function.

• Represent the program or function as the key contact and subjectmatter expert within the department, unit or school. Commit resourcesand provide information and/or training. May also represent the programor function to external/internal stakeholders andconstituencies.

• Organize and/or participate in outreach activities that mayinclude developing communications and training, planning/promotingevents and/or conferences.

• May participate in development of budgets, monitor, and approveexpenditures. May perform limited forecasting and providerecommendations that determine the budget.

• May direct staff to perform various tasks and assignments. Mayalso supervise staff.

Minimum Education andExperience

Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience, orcombination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to prioritize own work andmulti-task.

• Demonstrated excellent organizational skills.

• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and ownership ofprojects.

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and inwriting.

• Ability to routinely and independently exercise sound judgment inmaking decisions.

• Demonstrated experience working independently and as part of ateam.

• Relevant subject matter knowledge.

• Ability to direct the work of others, for jobs requiringsupervision.