Stanford University-posted 2 months ago
$110,976 - $250,000/Yr
Full-time • Senior
Stanford, CA
Educational Services

Stanford's 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. We invite you to be part of our mission of developing innovative, principled, and insightful leaders who change lives, change organizations, and change the world. The Stanford Graduate School of Business seeks a Director, Major Gifts to lead its fundraising efforts, focusing on securing major gifts ranging from $100,000 to $10 million. Additionally, the Director will be a key partner in supporting a structured principal gift program for solicitations exceeding $10 million. This pivotal position involves managing a high-performing team, including seven fundraisers, with a strong emphasis on achieving the school's fundraising goals. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic leader adept at building relationships, inspiring teams, navigating ambiguity, and achieving results in a complex, collaborative environment. This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of philanthropy at Stanford's prestigious Graduate School of Business, enabling transformative leadership experiences that have a global impact. As the Director of Major Gifts, you will lead a dynamic team in securing significant funding that directly supports innovative academic programs and initiatives, making you a vital contributor to a mission that shapes principled leaders and drives meaningful change in the world. Joining this role means being part of a collaborative environment where your leadership can inspire others and foster groundbreaking ideas, making a lasting difference in education and beyond.

  • Develop and implement the major gift strategy for the GSB, overseeing new gifts and collaborating across the school and Stanford to establish fundraising goals and opportunities.
  • Partner with faculty and volunteers to define resource needs and translate the Dean's priorities into actionable giving opportunities.
  • Play a vital role in collaborating and partnering with principal gift colleagues focused on shaping strategic initiatives.
  • Act as a player-coach, maintaining a personal portfolio while exceeding individual fundraising targets.
  • Lead, inspire, and motivate the Major Gifts team by fostering an innovative work environment that celebrates achievements, encourages new ideas, and supports risk-taking.
  • Set team culture and expectations while ensuring that all members have access to the knowledge and resources they need to be successful.
  • Develop strategies to increase prospect coverage and manage hiring, onboarding, training, performance evaluation, and professional development for team members.
  • Deliver coaching to staff, understanding their short and long-term career goals while providing opportunities for learning and development.
  • Collaborate with the team and other stakeholders to ensure appropriate allocation of resources toward programs and address any internal allocation challenges.
  • Maintain stewardship to donors, actively engaging to cultivate and solicit support.
  • Manage communication standards across the team to ensure transparency and effective information flow.
  • Bachelor's degree with eight years of relevant experience, including management experience, ideally in educational institutions or nonprofits.
  • Proven track record in fundraising with strong interpersonal, communication, and strategic planning skills.
  • Effective management skills with a demonstrated ability to mentor and retain fundraising staff, coupled with a customer service focus.
  • Demonstrated experience in management of projects, including project planning, scheduling, tracking, and budgeting.
  • Strong analytical capabilities and comfort with technology and data management to drive fundraising strategies.
  • Strong communication skills to effectively educate internal and external audiences.
  • Ability to work a hybrid schedule.
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
  • Advanced degree preferred.
  • Experience in major and principal gifts or similar fundraising roles.
  • Experience in higher education working directly with faculty and alumni.
  • Functional experience in financial analysis, operations, program management, or customer service is desirable.
  • Competitive salaries
  • Excellent health care and retirement plans
  • Generous vacation policy, including additional time off during winter closure
  • Career development programs
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Access to wellness programs
  • Child-care resources
  • Parent education and consultation
  • Elder care and caregiving support
  • Access to world-class exercise facilities
  • Free commuter programs and ridesharing incentives
  • Discounts for computers, cell phones, recreation, travel, entertainment, and more
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