Research Associate, Search Fund Project

The Grousbeck-Holloway Center for Entrepreneurial Studies (GHCES) seeks a research associate to support search fund data collection at the Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB). Search Funds are an alternative entrepreneurial path, where an entrepreneur identifies an existing company with untapped growth potential, raises funds to purchase the firm, and then leads the company as CEO to enhance its growth. The GSB has conducted research about the size and average returns experienced in this industry for several years (see the 2026 Search Fund Study).

The Research Associate will work closely with the Associate Director of the Search Fund Project to identify and collect data on new search funds.

We are seeking a collaborative, proactive and detail-oriented research associate who is motivated to drive results. The associate will collect, vet and support outreach to search fund principals. The ideal candidate combines strong attention to detail and structured processes with professional and proactive outbound communication skills.

• The expected pay range for this position is $37 to $39 per hour for Stanford Work Locations. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the qualifications of the selected candidate, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.
• Hours: Average of 15-20 hours per week (may vary depending on phase of project).
• Dates: mid October - mid February (with 2-3 weeks off in December / early January during Stanford’s annual winter closure). Some flexibility in start and end dates.
• Location: Preference for in-person or hybrid candidates given the collaborative nature of the work. In-person days would be at the Stanford GSB (on the main Stanford campus).

To Apply: Please submit a resume and brief cover letter including 1) why this position interests you and 2) how your skills, experiences or past projects match the skills and experience needed for the position

Send applications to: searchfunds@stanford.edu

Your responsibilities will include:

• Search fund collection, organization and vetting (1-2 months)
• Organize incoming lists of potential new funds (typically hundreds) from investors. Utilize Airtable and university-approved AI tools to, at-scale, de-duplicate the list and connect search funds, principals and investors.
• Fill in missing fund information using Pitchbook or public email databases. Utilize AI and other tooling to handle these tasks efficiently.
• Vet new search funds for Stanford study criteria. Reach out to funds to confirm eligibility using LinkedIn, email and other channels.

Survey collection and completion (2-3 months)

• Update and improve the survey collection tool in Qualtrics, such that it is targeted toward new searchers and collects data in an intuitive and efficient manner.
• Share the survey with new searchers via email and social media channels and ensure high (>98%) completion rates. Organize a series of compelling and creative outbound campaigns to new searchers, using LinkedIn, email, calls and peer searchers to encourage participation.
• Vet incoming data for completeness and support data cleaning by identifying and clarifying outliers.

To be successful you will need:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
• 1-2 years (or equivalent) professional experience in a sales, program management or communications role.

Technical Skills

• Experience or ability to quickly learn database management (Airtable), including automating data entry, de-duplication and linking related records.
• Experience or ability to quickly learn survey-creation in Qualtrics, including building a new survey, QA-ing the survey paths and in-survey data validation.
• Proven ability to create compelling outbound campaigns to busy individuals and tenacious persistence in following up. Maintain professionalism in communication while being persuasive.
• Experience utilizing AI to support program management and automate / personalize outreach campaigns.

Professional Skills

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong collaborative and communication skills (written and verbal) for multi-stakeholder environment
• Excellent organizational abilities, accountability, ownership and deadline management
• High discretion and judgment handling confidential data
• Proven ability to work independently with strong judgment while interfacing with senior leaders and entrepreneurs.

* 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 accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources at gsb_humanresources@stanford.edu

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity 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.