Inside Higher Ed
Associate Director, Major Gifts
Inside Higher Ed, Palo Alto, California, United States, 94306
Associate Director of Major Gifts
Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) has built a global reputation based on its immersive and innovative management programs. We provide students a transformative leadership experience, pushing the boundaries of knowledge with faculty research, and offering a portfolio of entrepreneurial and non‑degree programs that deliver global impact.
The school’s priorities are focused on the core MBA, PhD, and MSx programs, GSB faculty support and growth, the global reach of the school, and strong collaboration with broader Stanford University.
As part of a high‑performing team, a successful Associate Director is able to skillfully build relationships with alumni and internal stakeholders while displaying enthusiasm for the school’s mission. This position requires exceptional professionalism, intellectual dexterity, and the ability to think strategically and operate independently.
This is a full‑time, 100% FTE hybrid position with the expectation to be on‑site at the Stanford campus a minimum of 2 days a week.
Responsibilities
Develop solicitation goals and strategies for specific donor populations or geographic regions. Gain familiarity with assigned regions, and travel to those areas regularly.
Develop relationships leading to gifts in the $100,000 – $5,000,000 range.
Manage an active portfolio and work with assigned prospects to cultivate, solicit, and steward their support.
Establish ongoing relationships with individual alumni through personal visits, virtual visits, phone calls, and meaningful contacts.
Take responsibility for a wide range of fundraising activities, including identifying new prospective donors and alumni volunteers.
Prioritize prospects, prepare background information, make volunteer assignments as appropriate, and collaborate with volunteers on assigned solicitations.
Provide staff support for the GSB Dean, senior leaders, faculty, and high level volunteers locally and in assigned regions.
Work closely with colleagues in GSB External Relations, faculty and other colleagues to align program goals with the overall fundraising goals of the school.
Engage as an active contributor to the team culture of the major gift group and the broader External Relations team.
Coordinate and collaborate with development colleagues in the Stanford Office of Development and with other schools and units.
Stay informed on current GSB initiatives and activities, and engage in the life of the school.
To Be Successful In This Position, You Will Bring
Demonstrated effectiveness in prospect identification, relationship building, solicitation, and stewardship.
Demonstrated experience working with volunteers, faculty, and staff.
Ability and willingness to travel frequently, with possible 10‑12 trips per year, and a donor visit goal of approximately 12‑15 visits per month.
Superior written and oral communication skills, with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to translate complex concepts into compelling development proposals.
Ability to work collaboratively with development colleagues throughout the university to achieve strategic fundraising results.
Appreciation for the mission of a leading business school that’s housed within a major research university, and the ability to articulate that mission to others.
Strong initiative and self‑motivation.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree and five years relevant experience or a combination of education and experience.
Strong communication skills to effectively educate internal and external audiences.
Strong analytical skills to review and assess complex financial information; experience building and maintaining spreadsheets.
Comfort with technology and data management.
Ability to travel domestically.
Ability to work a hybrid schedule and occasional evenings and weekends.
Certifications and Licenses Required
Must possess and maintain a valid California non‑commercial Class C Driver’s License.
Physical Requirements
Ability to drive day or night.
Work Standards
When conducting university business, must comply with California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements.
Pay and Benefits The expected pay range for this position at 100% FTE is $142,600 to $163,419 per year.
Competitive salaries, excellent health care and retirement plans.
Generous vacation policy, including additional time off during the winter closure.
Professional development programs and tuition reimbursement.
Wellness programs, child‑care resources, parent education and consultation, elder care and caregiving support.
Access to world‑class exercise facilities, rock wall, health or fitness classes.
Campus gardens, trails, museums.
Free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives and discounts for computers, cell phones, recreation, travel, entertainment, and more.
How to Apply We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button. To be considered, please submit a cover letter and résumé along with your online application.
Equal Employment Opportunity Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action 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.
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.
Additional Information
Schedule: Full-time
Job Code: 4292
Employee Status: Regular
Grade: K
Requisition ID: 107728
Work Arrangement: Hybrid Eligible
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The school’s priorities are focused on the core MBA, PhD, and MSx programs, GSB faculty support and growth, the global reach of the school, and strong collaboration with broader Stanford University.
As part of a high‑performing team, a successful Associate Director is able to skillfully build relationships with alumni and internal stakeholders while displaying enthusiasm for the school’s mission. This position requires exceptional professionalism, intellectual dexterity, and the ability to think strategically and operate independently.
This is a full‑time, 100% FTE hybrid position with the expectation to be on‑site at the Stanford campus a minimum of 2 days a week.
Responsibilities
Develop solicitation goals and strategies for specific donor populations or geographic regions. Gain familiarity with assigned regions, and travel to those areas regularly.
Develop relationships leading to gifts in the $100,000 – $5,000,000 range.
Manage an active portfolio and work with assigned prospects to cultivate, solicit, and steward their support.
Establish ongoing relationships with individual alumni through personal visits, virtual visits, phone calls, and meaningful contacts.
Take responsibility for a wide range of fundraising activities, including identifying new prospective donors and alumni volunteers.
Prioritize prospects, prepare background information, make volunteer assignments as appropriate, and collaborate with volunteers on assigned solicitations.
Provide staff support for the GSB Dean, senior leaders, faculty, and high level volunteers locally and in assigned regions.
Work closely with colleagues in GSB External Relations, faculty and other colleagues to align program goals with the overall fundraising goals of the school.
Engage as an active contributor to the team culture of the major gift group and the broader External Relations team.
Coordinate and collaborate with development colleagues in the Stanford Office of Development and with other schools and units.
Stay informed on current GSB initiatives and activities, and engage in the life of the school.
To Be Successful In This Position, You Will Bring
Demonstrated effectiveness in prospect identification, relationship building, solicitation, and stewardship.
Demonstrated experience working with volunteers, faculty, and staff.
Ability and willingness to travel frequently, with possible 10‑12 trips per year, and a donor visit goal of approximately 12‑15 visits per month.
Superior written and oral communication skills, with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to translate complex concepts into compelling development proposals.
Ability to work collaboratively with development colleagues throughout the university to achieve strategic fundraising results.
Appreciation for the mission of a leading business school that’s housed within a major research university, and the ability to articulate that mission to others.
Strong initiative and self‑motivation.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree and five years relevant experience or a combination of education and experience.
Strong communication skills to effectively educate internal and external audiences.
Strong analytical skills to review and assess complex financial information; experience building and maintaining spreadsheets.
Comfort with technology and data management.
Ability to travel domestically.
Ability to work a hybrid schedule and occasional evenings and weekends.
Certifications and Licenses Required
Must possess and maintain a valid California non‑commercial Class C Driver’s License.
Physical Requirements
Ability to drive day or night.
Work Standards
When conducting university business, must comply with California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements.
Pay and Benefits The expected pay range for this position at 100% FTE is $142,600 to $163,419 per year.
Competitive salaries, excellent health care and retirement plans.
Generous vacation policy, including additional time off during the winter closure.
Professional development programs and tuition reimbursement.
Wellness programs, child‑care resources, parent education and consultation, elder care and caregiving support.
Access to world‑class exercise facilities, rock wall, health or fitness classes.
Campus gardens, trails, museums.
Free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives and discounts for computers, cell phones, recreation, travel, entertainment, and more.
How to Apply We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button. To be considered, please submit a cover letter and résumé along with your online application.
Equal Employment Opportunity Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action 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.
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.
Additional Information
Schedule: Full-time
Job Code: 4292
Employee Status: Regular
Grade: K
Requisition ID: 107728
Work Arrangement: Hybrid Eligible
#J-18808-Ljbffr