"Associate Dean for External Relations, Stanford Law School"

Summary

Stanford Law School seeks an Associate Dean (AD) for External Relations. Reporting to the Dean of Stanford Law School, the AD functions as the chief development officer and as the principal advocate for the dean’s funding priorities to alumni and friends of the School. The successful candidate should possess deep fundraising experience, handle him/her/themselves with sensitivity, diplomacy, and discretion; demonstrate exceptional professional judgement, and an ability to lead, inspire and mentor individuals and teams.

The Associate Dean for External Relations, SLS is the principal advisor to the Dean on all aspects of development, alumni relations, and advancement marketing. The AD will also work closely with the Chief Communications Officer at the law School. The AD serves as the chief liaison to Stanford University’s Office of Development and acts as the School advocate in that office.

Your responsibilities will include:

• With a current staff of 29, play a critical role in the successful pursuit of the School's fundraising, alumni relations, and advancement marketing objectives.
• Provides strategy, leadership, and direction for the External Relations teams of multiple complex programs with expansive scope and impact.
• Has a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, and develops and implements major gift strategies using whatever school and University resources are required to successfully secure support for the School's objectives. Cultivates and solicits gifts to the University.
• Prepares and provides written materials describing School objectives and join with faculty to serve as expert witnesses with prospective donors. Also monitors the activities of several major support groups that provide ongoing support for the School.
• Collaborates with volunteers, faculty and senior leaders on innovations and goals and develops plans for implementation.
• Directs staff and provides leadership to achieve goals and vision of the organization. Responsible for hiring and retaining staff, career coaching, professional development for direct reports and accountable for the performance of employees.
• Oversight for all programs related to development for the School.
• A commitment to promoting and supporting an environment of diversity and inclusion.

To be successful in this position, you will bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and twelve years of relevant experience and management experience, preferably in an educational institution or nonprofit, or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Significant major gift fundraising experience, with a demonstrated record of success. Principal gift fundraising experience preferred.
• Excellent judgment, interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to lead and motivate others and earn the respect of associates at all levels.
• Strategic skills to craft and help implement fundraising plans.
• Demonstrated managerial talent and leadership skills in guiding major gifts, alumni relations, and advancement marketing efforts.
• Customer service expertise serving faculty.
• Proven ability to meet fundraising goals with a strong track record in managing and balancing donor and faculty relationships.
• Ability to manage a large number of External Relations activities simultaneously with maximum independence.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective management experience and excellent interpersonal skills; demonstrated experience recruiting, evaluating, mentoring, and developing staff.
• Demonstrated experience engaging and motivating groups of diverse individuals, including strong volunteer management skills.
• Other duties as assigned.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

We encourage you to apply for this role by submitting your resume and a cover letter describing your interest in this position. The deadline to apply is December 31, 2025.

Compensation

The expected pay range for this position is $252,660 to $314,186 per annum.

Cardinal at Work website provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees.

This is a hybrid role, with the expectation of three days in the office per week, at minimum.