Philanthropic Assets Team Manager

Stanford University • Redwood City, CA

4d

About The Position

The Philanthropic Assets Team Manager is a hands-on leadership role responsible for managing, coaching, and developing a team of operations associates who handle the end-to-end processing of complex philanthropic assets for Stanford University. This position provides daily operational leadership while fostering a culture of excellence, precision, and continuous improvement. Reporting to the Director as a key operational partner, this manager oversees the receipt and processing of publicly traded gift assets—including US equities, mutual funds, and securities on foreign exchanges—ensuring accuracy, security, and compliance at every step. The manager serves as the Director's operational backup for critical functions including gift approvals, liquidation decisions, sale instructions to brokers, and fund movements. More than a supervisor, this role is a coach, process architect, and champion for operational excellence. The manager will also gain exposure to highly complex assets, such as private equity and cryptocurrency, by managing their documentation and submission processes in partnership with the Director. This is a unique opportunity to shape a critical university function, build strong partnerships across Development and the Controller’s Office, and lead a specialized team dedicated to supporting Stanford's philanthropic mission.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and three years of people management experience in brokerage operations, higher education, or related fields, or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Demonstrated Supervisory Skills: Proven ability to lead, coach, and motivate a team, including conflict resolution and career development.
• Impeccable Judgment: A track record of making sound business decisions, especially concerning risk management, data security, and donor confidentiality.
• Exceptional Communication Skills: The ability to convey complex information with clarity, precision, and professionalism suitable for a high-caliber audience of alumni, donors, and financial professionals.
• Operational & Analytical Mindset: Excellent planning and organizational skills with a passion for process improvement. Strong ability to analyze complex problems and develop innovative solutions.
• Financial Acumen: A broad understanding of investment products, complex financial instruments, and the fundamentals of investment operations or custody environments. Knowledge of accounting principles is a strong plus.
• Effective Interpersonal Skills: A collaborative nature with the ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues, clients, and external partners.
• Proficiency with Technology: Strong expertise in business applications such as Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and Google Suite, with the ability to quickly learn new systems like Oracle.

Nice To Haves

• 1-2 years of experience in brokerage back-office operations or a related financial services field.
• Experience working in a university or non-profit environment.
• Demonstrated project management skills and experience as part of a project team.
• A strong customer-oriented approach to managing solutions and partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, coach, and mentor a team of 2-3 operations associates, with responsibility for performance management and career development. This role provides critical input and feedback on all hiring decisions to the Director. Champion a culture of precision and professionalism in all internal and external communications, ensuring the team represents the high standards of Stanford. Foster a collaborative environment focused on problem-solving, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Operational Management & Process Improvement: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Gift Securities team, managing the end-to-end workflow to ensure gift assets are liquidated and processed accurately, securely, and on schedule. Proactively analyze business processes to identify opportunities for improvement; design and propose solutions to enhance efficiency and mitigate risk; and collaborate with the Director to prioritize and implement them. Serve as the primary subject matter expert for gift securities operations, resolving complex issues and providing alternative solutions as necessary. Analyze operational data and trends to advise leadership and develop recommendations for staffing, technology, and administrative functions. Analyze operational data and prepare management reports for the Director to support strategic decision-making and provide visibility into team performance. May independently or in collaboration with human resources managers, guide analysts and associates in the interpretation and implementation of human resources policies, procedures and programs.
• Stakeholder Partnership & Communication: Serve as the primary operational liaison for publicly traded assets, managing relationships with Development Officers, brokerage partners, the Charitable Trust program, and donors to ensure a seamless gift experience. Partner with the Director by coordinating documentation and communication flows for highly complex gifts, engaging with stakeholders such as the Office of Planned Giving and investment attorneys as needed. Represent the program's business operations within the organization and to external constituencies, building and maintaining strong professional partnerships. Serve as a resource to resolve accounting-related issues and ensure clear communication with local units and other departments.
• Risk Management & Compliance: Interpret, implement, and ensure compliance with university administrative policies, industry regulations, and data security protocols. Partner with the Director to review non-public gift documentation, offering documents, and investment agreements to ensure proper application of terms and risk mitigation. Identify gaps and recommend internal policies and guidelines to strengthen controls; collaborate with the Director and other university partners to develop and implement approved changes.

Benefits

• Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.
• At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website ( https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards ) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager