Stanford Law School (SLS) is one of the top-rated law schools in the world. At SLS, we are driven by a passion for new ideas and a commitment to transformative solutions. True to our roots in Silicon Valley and our Stanford heritage, we focus on the future -- not the past. Experimentation, exploration, the translation of new knowledge into entrepreneurial solutions: All are in our DNA. The Office of External Relations is a collaborative and entrepreneurial team committed to a community-centric approach to development. External Relations is made up of Major Gifts, Corporate & Foundation Relations, the Law Fund (annual giving), Alumni Relations, and Advancement Marketing/Donor Relations.
Stanford Law School is hiring a Director of Major Gifts to manage and direct the efforts of the Major Gifts team. Currently composed of 5 major gift officers and 2 coordinators, and working closely with the Associate Director of Development for Corporate & Foundation Relations, the Major Gifts team is primarily responsible for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting individuals able to make gifts of at least $250,000 or more. Reporting to the Director of Development, the Director of Major Gifts is a senior member of the Office of External Relations team and will play a key role in creating, planning, and implementing the major gifts fundraising strategy for SLS.
This position may be remote eligible, but preference will be given to candidates based in the Bay Area or willing to relocate. Remote candidates should be prepared to spend at least 10 weeks annually on campus throughout the year.
JOB PURPOSE:
In coordination with the Director of Development, the Director of Major Gifts leads development efforts and execution of major gift fundraising goals and activities for Stanford Law School. The Director of Major gifts also works with a portfolio of assigned prospects to cultivate, solicit, and steward their support, including tracking solicitation assignments and progress. In this role, you will work independently in assigned areas and take responsibility for prospect identification and solicitation, proposal development, and coordination of internal support activities. In addition, you will establish and maintain relationships with all university constituents, including other staff, donors, volunteers, and faculty.
CORE DUTIES*:
*Directing and coaching efforts of Major Gifts fundraisers and coordinators under your management; providing leadership to achieve both individual goals and collective vision of the organization.
*Hiring and retaining staff; managing career coaching and personal and professional development for direct reports; focusing on retention to increase the capacity and stability of the team.
*Accountability for performance of team, completing mid-year and year-end performance reviews; occasional coverage for team members when needed.
*Inspiring and motivating staff by fostering a work environment that encourages new ideas, risk-taking, team-based efforts, celebrating achievements, and setting/meeting philanthropic goals.
*Planning and implementing the Major Gifts fundraising program for Stanford Law School, including new fund-raising program/s or initiatives as assigned and refining existing ones.
*Working with volunteers and faculty to develop goals and fundraising activities.
*Leading special projects or initiatives on behalf of the Law School.
*Ensure appropriate resources are allocated towards programs, resolve internal allocation issues.
*Develop solicitation goals, objectives, and strategies for development projects and/or specific donor populations or geographic regions. Cultivate and solicit gifts for Stanford Law School.
*Manage an active portfolio, and track solicitation assignments and progress. Work with a portfolio of assigned prospects in regions as assigned to cultivate, solicit, and steward donor support.
*Establish ongoing relationships with alumni and friends through personal visits, phone calls, and meaningful contacts.
*Take responsibility for a wide range of fundraising activities, including maintaining an active level of contacts, identifying new prospective donors and volunteers, providing stewardship, and coordinating volunteer fundraising efforts.This also includes managing major gift cultivation and solicitation events in assigned regions.
*Staff the dean of Stanford Law School and faculty for visits with potential funders, both on campus and in assigned regions. This includes preparing briefings, developing a cultivation strategy, and coordinating follow-up after meetings.
*Work closely with SLS Alumni Relations to build relationships regionally between potential donors, staff, and faculty.
*Stay informed on current university and law school initiatives and activities.
*Serve as expert partner between certain faculty-led programs and initiatives and the Office of External Relations.
*Work closely with other colleagues in development to align program goals with the overall giving goals of the university's development organization.
*Build a community of trust.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree and seven years of relevant experience and management experience, preferably in an educational institution or nonprofit or combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
*Demonstrated fundraising experience, sensitivity, and diplomacy.
*Excellent judgment, interpersonal and communication skills.
*Ability to lead and motivate others; be at ease with colleagues at all levels, faculty, top executives and community leaders, gaining their respect and confidence; ability to work well with staff members regardless of position in any office hierarchy; willingness to share credit.
*Demonstrated managerial talent in guiding major gifts efforts; experience recruiting, evaluating, mentoring, and placing staff.
*Proven ability to confidently guide team members in meeting fundraising goals and in managing and balancing donor/faculty/lay leader relationships.
*Strategic skills to craft and help implement fundraising plans.
*Customer service expertise serving faculty.
*Tremendous strength in navigating complexity and ambiguity.
*Ability to manage a large number of fundraising activities simultaneously.
*Solid verbal and written communication skills.
*Political acumen; the ability to navigate very complex institutions and competing priorities to make the best match for donor interests and University priorities
*Ability to speak passionately and authentically about the history, achievements and future direction of Stanford Law School and Stanford University; ability to effectively articulate that vision to a diverse audience.
*Demonstrated experience engaging and motivating groups of diverse individuals, including strong volunteer management skills.
*A commitment to promoting and supporting an environment of diversity and inclusion.
Certifications and Licenses:
*Valid California Non-commercial Class Driver's License.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:
*Frequently perform desk-based computer tasks, sit, and use a telephone, stand/walk.
*Occasionally light/fine grasping, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds, writing by hand.
*Ability to obtain and maintain a California Non-commercial Class driver's license
WORKING CONDITIONS:
*May require working flexible hours, including nights and weekends. Regular travel will be required.
*Valid passport for international travel.
WORK STANDARDS:
*When conducting university business, must comply with the California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements.
*Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
*Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrate commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
*Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including, but not limited to, the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
The expected pay range for this position is $147,000 to $199,000 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.
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.
*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.
*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 the job.
*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.
*Stanford Law School seeks to hire the best talent and to promote a safe and secure environment for all members of the university community and its property. To that end, new staff hires must successfully pass a background check prior to starting work at Stanford University.
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?
