Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts, Stanford Law School

Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts

Hybrid/Remote Optional

Note:

Not all unique aspects of the job are covered by this job description.

Stanford Law School 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 donor‑centric approach to development. External Relations is made up of major gifts, annual giving, alumni relations, and advancement marketing.

Stanford Law School is hiring an Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts. Reporting to the Director of Major Gifts, the Associate Director will play a key role in managing regional fundraising efforts in assigned regions as part of a broader outreach program. The Associate Director is primarily responsible for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting individuals able to make gifts of at least $250,000 or more.

A remote worker arrangement may be considered for candidates with the appropriate background and experience.

In coordination with the Director of Major Gifts, plan and implement fundraising strategies for a portfolio of donors. Operate independently in assigned areas and take responsibility for prospect identification and solicitation, proposal development, and coordination of internal support activities. Work with staff, donors, volunteers, faculty, and other university staff to assist in establishing and maintaining relationships with all university constituencies.

• 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, track solicitation assignments and progress. Work with a portfolio of prospects in regions as assigned to cultivate, solicit, and steward donor support. Expect to be on the road 50% of the time and complete 12‑15 visits per month.
• 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. Also manage major gift cultivation and solicitation events in assigned regions.
• 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.
• Staff the dean of Stanford Law School and faculty for visits with potential funders, both on campus and in assigned regions. Prepare briefings, develop a cultivation strategy, and coordinate follow‑up after meetings.
• Develop relationships leading to gifts of $250,000 or more.
• Establish and enhance ongoing relationships with alumni and friends through personal visits, phone calls, and meaningful contacts.
• Prioritize prospects, prepare background information, make volunteer assignments as appropriate, and follow up with volunteers to ensure completion of assigned solicitations.
• Work closely with other colleagues in development to align program goals with the overall giving goals of the university’s development organization.
• Other duties may also be assigned.

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.

• Demonstrated effectiveness in prospect identification, relationship building, and solicitation.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring and working with volunteers, faculty, and staff.
• Superior written and oral communication skills, with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to articulate a compelling case for philanthropic support programs.
• Ability to translate complex concepts into compelling development proposals.

• Valid California Non‑commercial Class…