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Stanford University

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Palo Alto, CA, USA

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"Associate Director, Major Gifts"

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Associate Director, Major Gifts

Staff / Administration

2026-02-01

Location

Palo Alto, CA, USA

Stanford Graduate School of Business

Type

Full-time hybrid (100% FTE, min 2 days on-site/week)

Salary

$142,600 - $163,419 per year

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree + 5 years experience
Strong communication skills
Analytical skills & spreadsheets
Valid CA Driver's License
Frequent travel (10-12 trips/year)
Fundraising & relationship building expertise

Research Areas

MBA programs
PhD programs
MSx programs
Faculty support
Global initiatives
Stanford collaboration
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Associate Director, Major Gifts

Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) has built a global reputation based on its immersive and innovative management programs. We provide students a transformative leadership experience, pushing the boundaries of knowledge with faculty research, and offering a portfolio of entrepreneurial and non-degree programs that deliver global impact. We invite you to be part of our mission of developing innovative, principled, and insightful leaders who change lives, change organizations, and change the world.

The Stanford Graduate School of Business is seeking an Associate Director of Major Gifts. Reporting to the Regional Director of Development, the Associate Director of Major Gifts is a frontline fundraiser with a focus on raising gifts in key markets, including the San Francisco Bay Area. (Other potential areas to be discussed.) Primary responsibilities include identifying, cultivating, and soliciting individuals able to make gifts in the $100,000-$5,000,000 range.

The school's priorities are 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.

As part of a high-performing team, a successful Associate Director is able to skillfully build relationships with alumni and internal stakeholders while displaying enthusiasm for the school's mission. This position requires exceptional professionalism, intellectual dexterity, and the ability to think strategically and operate independently. The Major Gifts team values professional entrepreneurship and a willingness to go above and beyond for our community.

This is a full-time 100% FTE hybrid position with the expectation to be on-site at the Stanford campus a minimum of 2 days a week.

Your primary responsibilities* include:

  • Develop solicitation goals and strategies for specific donor populations or geographic regions. Gain familiarity with assigned regions, and travel to those areas regularly.
  • Develop relationships leading to gifts in the $100,000 - $5,000,000 range.
  • Manage an active portfolio and work with assigned prospects to cultivate, solicit, and steward their support.
  • Establish ongoing relationships with individual alumni through personal visits, virtual visits, phone calls, and meaningful contacts.
  • Take responsibility for a wide range of fundraising activities, including identifying new prospective donors and alumni volunteers.
  • 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, faculty and other colleagues to align program goals with the overall fundraising goals of the school.
  • Engage as an active contributor to the team culture of the major gift group and the broader External Relations team.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with development colleagues in the Stanford Office of Development and with other schools and units.
  • Stay informed on current GSB initiatives and activities, and engage in the life of the school.

To be successful in this position, you will bring:

  • Demonstrated effectiveness in prospect identification, relationship building, solicitation, and stewardship.
  • Demonstrated experience working with volunteers, faculty, and staff.
  • Ability and willingness to travel frequently, with possible 10-12 trips per year, and a donor visit goal of approximately 12-15 visits per month.
  • Superior written and oral communication skills, with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to translate complex concepts into compelling development proposals.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with development colleagues throughout the university to achieve strategic fundraising results.
  • Appreciation for the mission of a leading business school that's housed within a major research university, and the ability to articulate that mission to others.
  • Strong initiative and self-motivation.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree and five years relevant experience or a combination of education and experience.
  • Strong communication skills to effectively educate internal and external audiences.
  • Strong analytical skills to review and assess complex financial information; Experience building and maintaining spreadsheets.
  • Comfort with technology and data management.
  • Ability to travel domestically.
  • Ability to work a hybrid schedule and occasional evenings and weekends.

Certifications and Licenses Required:

  • Must possess and maintain a valid California non-commercial Class C Driver's License.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to drive day or night.

Work Standards:

  • When conducting university business, must comply with California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements.

The expected pay range for this position at 100% FTE is $142,600 to $163,419 per year.

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.

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 resume along with your online application.

*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.*

*Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form. *

*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.*

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Frequently Asked Questions

🎓What are the minimum qualifications for this role?

To be successful, candidates must have a Bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience or equivalent combination. Key skills include strong communication, analytical abilities for financial data, spreadsheet proficiency, comfort with technology, and ability to travel domestically. A valid California non-commercial Class C Driver's License is required. See academic CV tips.

💰What is the salary range and benefits?

The expected pay range is $142,600 to $163,419 per year at 100% FTE. Stanford offers a comprehensive rewards package; details at Cardinal at Work. Pay depends on qualifications, scope, and market factors.

📋What are the primary responsibilities?

Develop solicitation strategies for donor populations/regions, cultivate relationships for gifts of $100K-$5M, manage portfolio, conduct personal/virtual visits, identify prospects, collaborate with faculty/volunteers, support GSB Dean, align with school goals. Expect 12-15 donor visits/month and 10-12 trips/year.

🏢Is this position hybrid or remote?

Full-time 100% FTE hybrid role with minimum 2 days/week on-site at Stanford campus. Occasional evenings/weekends possible. Explore remote higher ed jobs for alternatives.

📝How do I apply for this job?

Submit cover letter and resume via the "Apply for Job" button. Position open until 2026-02-01. Stanford is an equal opportunity employer. Contact HR for accommodations via contact form.

🌍Does Stanford sponsor visas for this role?

No mention of visa sponsorship in the posting. U.S. work authorization required. Check higher ed jobs for visa-friendly positions.
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