Stanford Graduate School of Business     

Residing in Silicon Valley, the heart of innovation, Stanford GSB has built a global reputation based on its immersive and innovative management programs. We provide students a transformative leadership experience, push the boundaries of knowledge with faculty research, and offer a portfolio of entrepreneurial and non-degree programs that deliver global impact like no other. We strive to change lives, change organizations, and change the world.

Frontline fundraising with a key role in managing major gift efforts for the Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB), in key domestic markets including the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California. Primary responsibilities include identifying, cultivating and soliciting individuals able to make gifts in the $250,000-$5,000,000 range.

Plan and implement a specific fundraising program for the GSB. Operate independently in assigned areas and take responsibility for prospect identification and solicitation, proposal development, and coordination of internal support activities. Work with staff, faculty, donors, volunteers, and other university staff to assist in establishing and maintaining relationships with all university constituencies.

The school’s priorities are primarily focused on the core MBA, PhD, and MSx programs, GSB faculty support and growth, the global reach of the school, and strong collaboration with broader Stanford University. This position requires exceptional professionalism, ability to think strategically, intellectual horsepower, and significant fundraising success with five or more years in direct fundraising and major gifts.  

Your primary responsibilities include: 

• Develop solicitation goals, objectives, and strategies for development projects and/or specific donor populations or geographic regions. Cultivate and solicit gifts to the GSB.
• Manage an active portfolio, and track solicitation assignments and progress. Work with a portfolio of assigned prospects to cultivate, solicit, and steward their support.
• Develop relationships leading to gifts in the $250,000 - $5,000,000 range.
• 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.
• Establish ongoing relationships with individual alumni through personal visits, phone calls, and meaningful contacts.
• Stay informed on current GSB initiatives and activities, and engage in the life of the school.
• Gain familiarity with assigned regions, and travel to those areas with regularity. 
• Prioritize prospects, prepare background information, make volunteer assignments as appropriate, and collaborate with volunteers on assigned solicitations.
• Provide staff support for the GSB Dean, senior leaders, faculty, and high level volunteers locally and in assigned regions.
• Work closely with colleagues in GSB External Relations, GSB faculty and other GSB colleagues to align program goals with the overall fundraising goals of the GSB.
• Engage as an active contributor to the team culture of the major gift group.
• Coordinate and collaborate with development colleagues in the Stanford Office of Development Office and with other schools and units.   
• Be flexible to completing any other additional assigned duties.

To be successful in this position, you will bring:

• Bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in prospect identification and relationship building, solicitation, and closing gifts.
• Demonstrated experience working within complicated organizations. 
• 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.
• Evidence of being highly adaptable to working with changing priorities, and the ability to manage a large number of fundraising activities simultaneously; to manage complex issues creatively and effectively. 

Why Stanford is for You 

Stanford’s dedicated 16,000 staff come from diverse educational and career backgrounds. We are a collaborative environment that thrives on innovation and continuous improvement. At Stanford, we seek talent committed to excellence, driven to impact the future of our legacy, and improve lives on a global sphere. We provide competitive salaries, excellent health care and retirement plans, and a generous vacation policy, including additional time off during our winter closure. Our generous perks align with what matters to you: 

•  Freedom to grow. Take advantage of career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a Ted Talk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or leader discuss global issues. 
• A caring culture. We understand the importance of your personal and family time and provide you access to wellness programs, child-care resources, parent education and consultation, elder care and caregiving support. 
• A healthier you. We make wellness a priority by providing access to world-class exercise facilities. Climb our rock wall, or participate in one of hundreds of health or fitness classes. 
• Discovery and fun. Visit campus gardens, trails, and museums. 
• Enviable resources. We offer free commuter programs and ridesharing incentives. Enjoy discounts for computers, cell phones, recreation, travel, entertainment, and more!  
• We pride ourselves in being a culture that encourages and empowers you.

How to Apply

We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button. To be considered, please submit a cover letter and résumé along with your online application.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time
• Job Code: 4292
• Employee Status: Regular
• Grade: K