Elis oversees all operational and administrative functions of the department, with particular focus on faculty appointments and promotions and department finances. She supervises the staff, serves as an advisor and colleague to the faculty, and is the department's managerial liaison with other units within the school and university. Her background is in non-profit administration, having held directorial positions with the California League of Conservation Voters Education Fund and San Jose Repertory Theater prior to her arrival at Stanford in 2005. Elis is the board chair of the non-profit Montessori Parents' Committee of Parkside School.