Assistant Vice President, Principal Gifts, Medical Center Development; MCD

Overview

Office of External Relations, Stanford, California, United States. Development. Post Date:
Jan 15, 2026.

Requisition #: 107810. Main work location:
Redwood City, CA.

Schedule:

Hybrid work schedule of at least 2 days per week on-site. To be considered, please submit a cover letter and résumé along with your online application.

Stanford Medicine, as an academic medical center with a tripartite mission of research, teaching, and clinical care, aims to shape and define the future of health and medicine. This role, Assistant Vice President, Principal Gifts, reports to the Senior Associate Vice President, Medical Center Development, and leads the development, direction, and execution of comprehensive strategies for the Principal Gifts program.

This is a newly created role in academic medical philanthropy and involves building lasting donor relationships to amplify the impact of Stanford Medicine.

• Lead a seasoned group of Principal Gift professionals, fostering a collaborative environment through learning and mentoring.
• Work with the AVP of Cancer Initiatives and AVP of Major Gifts, Corporations, Associations, and Foundations to develop strategies and implement key capital and programmatic needs.
• Plan, lead, and implement principal gift strategies for Stanford Medicine, in conjunction with principal and major gifts officers, corporate and foundation officers, and university colleagues.
• Cultivate and manage a portfolio of select individuals, identifying next-gen donors, focusing on personalized engagement, solicitation, and stewardship of significant philanthropic commitments (8+ figure gifts) through complex gift discussions, assets, and structures.
• Partner with academic leaders, health care executives, and volunteers to devise donor-centered engagement and big ideas to attract impactful philanthropy.
• Support and collaborate with other development and partner program colleagues within Stanford Medicine and across the university to calibrate shared goals and adopt best practices that enhance donor relations.
• Oversee hiring, set individual and team performance goals, and ensure efficient allocation of resources to meet fundraising objectives.

• Bachelor’s degree and 12 years of direct or relevant experience, preferably in an educational institution.
• 8+ years of effective management experience, including history of recruiting, mentoring, retaining, and evaluating staff.
• Specialized knowledge of fundraising, solicitation, and gift implementation, with a track record of securing significant gifts from individuals, families, corporations, and foundations.
• Experience with a variety of complex and innovative giving vehicles to maximize donor engagement and impact.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain productive relationships with internal stakeholders and external donors, professional advisors, and executives.
• Experience engaging and inspiring volunteers with strong volunteer management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication abilities to articulate complex concepts clearly to varied audiences.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters with discretion and HIPAA awareness.
• Creative problem-solving skills and ability to navigate challenges and resolve conflicts.
• Strong skills in technologies/platforms that support business operations and communications.

The expected pay range for this position is $350,000 - $400,000 per annum. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing a good-faith estimate of compensation. Final pay is determined by factors such as scope, qualifications, departmental budget, internal equity, location, and external market pay. Base pay is one part of a comprehensive rewards package; the Cardinal at Work site provides detailed information on benefits and rewards.

Specifics about the rewards package may be discussed during the hiring process.

Stanford University is a premier institution devoted to excellence in research and education. We are committed to supporting employees in developing their careers and enriching their lives, with a diverse, inclusive culture. Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.

• Career development programs and tuition reimbursement.
• Generous time off, retirement plans, and family care resources.
• Health and wellness benefits, including health care coverage and access to fitness facilities.
• Access to campus programs and cultural experiences.

Additional information:

Schedule:

Full-time;
Job Code: 4787;
Employee Status:
Regular;
Grade: O;
Requisition ;
Work Arrangement:
Hybrid Eligible.