Stanford University is one of the world's premier academic and research institutions, devoting tremendous intellectual and physical resources toward the betterment of humanity. As a major Silicon Valley employer, Stanford seeks people committed to excellence and improving our world. The university is committed to supporting its employees as they develop their careers and enrich their lives. Stanford's future success will be shaped by its diverse perspectives, unique experiences, and inclusive culture.
Serving the Stanford University campus, the Bay Area community, and visitors from around the world, the Cantor Arts Center provides an outstanding cultural experience for visitors of all ages and a growing online audience of scholars. The Cantor's encyclopedic collection spans 5,000 years and includes more than 40,000 works of art from around the globe. An established resource for teaching and research on campus, the Cantor offers free admission and programs year-round. It is consistently one of the most visited university museums in the U.S.
It is an exciting time to join the expanding team at the Cantor Arts Center--with a new director of the museum, a recently appointed Vice President for the Arts at Stanford University, a loyal community of donors and members, and bold curatorial initiatives that will shape a broader understanding of our collective art histories. Join us as we build capacity to achieve the museum's goals within an equitable, collaborative, and creative work environment.
The Director of Development at Cantor Arts Center is responsible for creating, planning, and implementing a fundraising strategy for the museum. The Director of Development is also responsible for the execution of the program, managing staff and volunteers to ensure fundraising goals are achieved. Current goals for the Cantor's development office are $3M annual, with a desire to substantially grow the program.
Reporting to the Director of Cantor with a dotted line to the University's Executive Director of Development for the Arts, this position oversees all aspects of fundraising including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate and foundation giving, gifts of art, and a joint membership program with Stanford museums, the Cantor and the Anderson Collection. The Director of Development also oversees fundraising events and coordinates with the Associate Director of Communications and Donor Relations for the Arts in the Office of Development for the stewardship of donors.
In this role, you will:
Develop, plan and implement a strategic fundraising program for the Cantor Arts Center that will enable the Cantor to fund exhibitions, programs, and other expenses.
Work with colleagues on the leadership team to develop programs and events, as well as leverage the museum's existing programming as a springboard for attracting new donors and stewarding existing donors.
Work closely with the Executive Director of Development for the Arts and Cantor Director to establish annual goals for giving and for membership, as well as manage the annual budget for the fundraising program.
Build and grow a major gifts pipeline leveraging members, alumni, national art enthusiasts, and local community leaders while working closely with the University Development team to ensure continuity with University standards and protocols.
Assess, investigate, and propose strategies for programs, events, and campaigns that will steward existing donors and attract prospective donors to the museum. Excellence in stewardship is critical and needs to be sustained at a high level into the future.
Work closely with other University fundraising professionals to attract annual gifts, planned gifts, and gifts of art integrating these opportunities into the Cantor's fundraising plans.
Provide strategy, leadership and direction, including creating a plan to foster growth of the joint membership program, which currently raises nearly $750K from about 1,800 members.
Direct efforts of the Cantor's development team and provide opportunities for professional growth focusing on retention to increase capacity and stability of the team. This team currently includes a Development Manager, Development Operations Manager, Development Coordinator, Events Manager and Events Coordinator.
Inspire and motivate Cantor staff and volunteers by fostering a work environment that encourages innovation, calculated risk-taking, and collaboration in order to develop a culture of philanthropy.
A commitment to promoting and supporting an environment of diversity and inclusion.
Other duties may also be assigned
Please note that this position will be based on the Stanford campus and considered hybrid (3-4 days/week onsite). Occasional evening and weekend work will be required.
In order to be successful, you will bring:
Bachelor's degree and seven years of relevant experience and management experience, preferably in an educational institution or nonprofit or a combination of education and relevant experience.
Specific to this role at the Cantor Arts Center is a commitment to the advancement of the arts. Demonstrated experience in arts fundraising is strongly preferred.
Demonstrated commitment to promoting and supporting an environment of diversity and inclusion.
Demonstrated fundraising experience, sensitivity, and diplomacy with proven experience in securing major gifts.
Experience developing, planning and implementing comprehensive fundraising plans.
Excellent judgment, interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to lead and motivate others and earn the respect of associates at all levels.
Proven ability to meet fundraising goals
A strong track record in managing and balancing donor relationships.
Solid verbal and written communication skills.
Effective management experience and excellent interpersonal skills; demonstrated experience recruiting, evaluating, and mentoring staff.
Demonstrated experience engaging and motivating groups of diverse individuals, including strong volunteer management skills.
Demonstrated experience engaging and motivating groups of diverse individuals.
Don't meet every single requirement? At Cantor and the Vice Presidency for the Arts, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. Let us know in your cover letter how your experience makes you a good fit for us. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles!
The expected pay range for this position is $156,000-$178,000 per annum. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. 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.
Why Stanford is for You
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:
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.
*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.
*Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
*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
Why work at Stanford?Stanford University has changed the world, over and over again.We are one of Silicon Valley's largest employers - and also one of the most unique. Our mission is to educate future leaders and promote interdisciplinary, world-class research and teaching. This passion makes Stanford an intensely creative, rewarding, and challenging place to work. At the same time, our traditions of respect and collaboration sustain a humane, supportive environment in which to pursue your life and your career.At Stanford you'll work with bright, diverse, dedicated people. You'll find encouragement to learn and grow. You'll enjoy excellent benefits and an outstanding environment. How will it change you?
