The Sohaib and Sara Abbasi Program in Islamic Studies and the Mediterranean Studies Forum (both part of the Stanford Global Studies Division) are academic hubs that foster academic events, research, and teaching related to Islamic Studies and Mediterranean Studies at Stanford University. The Abbasi Program’s mandate also includes deepening the public understanding of Islam and Muslim societies by organizing public lectures, artistic performances, exhibitions, film screenings, and K-12 outreach activities.
Reporting to both the Faculty Director and the SGS Executive Director, the Associate Director position provides leadership on programmatic, curricular, and administrative issues. The Associate Director works closely with the Faculty Director and affiliated faculty to facilitate and enhance the two units’ programming, curricular, and fundraising efforts. Key responsibilities include assisting the Faculty Director in strategic planning, academic and public outreach programming, financial management and annual budgeting, and relationship cultivation. Other key responsibilities include identifying and facilitating research opportunities for faculty and students, managing the Islamic Studies specialization for the Global Studies minor, developing and managing the programs’ communications strategy, and mentoring students and visiting scholars. The Associate Director manages the programs’ day-to-day operations in collaboration with a full-time Program Coordinator and student employees.