Associate Director, Major Gifts

About the role

The Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) is seeking an Associate Director of Major Gifts. Reporting to the Director of Major Gifts, this frontline fundraiser will focus on raising gifts in key markets, including the San Francisco Bay Area (other regions to be discussed). The role involves identifying, cultivating, and soliciting individuals able to make gifts in the $100,000–$5,000,000 range, supporting the school’s priorities: core MBA, PhD, and MSx programs; GSB faculty growth; global reach; and collaboration with broader Stanford University.

This is a full-time, hybrid position requiring on-site presence at the Stanford campus a minimum of 2 days per week.

Responsibilities

• Conduct 8–12 regional development trips per year.
• Support the dean of the Stanford Graduate School of Business during regional travel or individual development meetings.
• Build professional relationships within the GSB and broader Stanford community, potentially acting as a liaison to school initiatives, boards, and centers.
• Demonstrate leadership and collegiality within the External Relations department.
• Work occasional nights and weekends on behalf of the External Relations and/or Major Gifts team.
• Strengthen GSB alumni relationships through high-touch engagements and stewardship.
• Maintain and ensure accuracy of CRM records.
• Develop solicitation goals, objectives, and strategies for development projects, donor populations, or geographic regions.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts, managing an active portfolio of prospects.
• Identify new prospective donors and volunteers, providing stewardship and coordinating volunteer fundraising efforts.
• Stay informed on current university initiatives and activities.
• Develop relationships leading to gifts in the $250,000–$5,000,000 range.
• Enhance relationships between donors and the school’s faculty, students, dean, staff, and volunteers.
• Collaborate with staff, donors, and volunteers to establish and maintain relationships across university constituencies.
• Design and manage fundraising appeals (e.g., direct mail, email, video, phone) to maximize potential.
• Prioritize prospects, prepare background information, and follow up with volunteers to ensure completion of solicitations.
• Work closely with development colleagues to align program goals with university giving objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid California non-commercial Class C Driver’s License; ability to drive day or night in compliance with California Vehicle Code and Stanford University requirements.

Skills

• Demonstrated effectiveness in prospect identification, relationship building, and solicitation.
• Experience mentoring and working with volunteers, faculty, and staff.
• Superior written and oral communication skills, with exceptional attention to detail and ability to articulate a compelling case for philanthropic support.
• Ability to translate complex concepts into development proposals.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered.