Associate Dean for Development

Stanford Engineering has been at the forefront of innovation for nearly a century, creating pivotal technologies that have transformed the worlds of information technology, communications, health care, energy, business, and beyond. Our faculty and students are creative risk-takers who pursue excellence across a breadth of disciplines. Our alumni include some of the world's most successful leaders in technology and business. Our staff are critical to enabling Stanford Engineering to accomplish its mission: seeking solutions to some of the world's most urgent challenges and educating leaders who will transform the world through the power of engineering principles, techniques, and systems.

Stanford School of Engineering (SoE) seeks an experienced, dynamic fundraiser and skilled manager to serve as our Associate Dean for Development (AD). Reporting to the dean of engineering, 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 themselves with sensitivity, diplomacy, and discretion; demonstrate exceptional professional judgment; and excel in leading, inspiring, and mentoring individuals and teams.

In addition to leading a robust development team that totals over 20 individuals, the AD is the principal advisor to the dean on all aspects of development. The AD also serves as the chief liaison to the central university’s office of development and acts as the school’s advocate within that office. The AD helps define and shape the central role that the dean and faculty play with donors and actively participates with them in the cultivation and solicitation of prospective donors. The AD represents the dean before various donor constituencies and is expected to have a strong partnership with the associate dean for communications and alumni affairs.

As a senior leader in SoE, the AD works with the dean, other senior leaders at the school, and each of the academic departments and interdisciplinary programs of the school to articulate fundraising priorities and define specific gift opportunities. The AD serves as a principal gift fundraiser for the school and serves as the school’s liaison to the university on campaign committees, task forces, and other teams.

If you are mission driven and have the leadership and strategic skills necessary to balance prospect identification and solicitation; build donor-centric and meaningful relationships; develop, execute and measure progress toward strategic objectives; lead a large, high performing team; and partner effectively with academic leadership, faculty, senior staff, and fellow SoE and university development colleagues, then this position is for you.

This position is located on Stanford’s main campus in Palo Alto. Although it is eligible for hybrid work, much of the work will involve interacting with university leaders, faculty, team members, and donors in person, so a significant on-campus and in-person presence is expected.

In this role, you will:

• Provide strategy, leadership, and direction to a staff of 20+ engaged in individual and annual giving, corporate and foundation relationships, and donor stewardship.
• Oversee the school’s development budget for the annual budget cycle, including developing, monitoring, analyzing, forecasting, and reporting.
• Plan and implement multiple large-scale, fundraising programs.
• Collaborate with faculty and senior leaders on priorities and development goals and plans for implementation.
• Direct staff and provide leadership to achieve the goals and vision of the organization. Responsible for hiring and retaining staff, career coaching, professional development for direct reports, and accountability for employee performance.
• Oversight for all programs related to development for the school.

Education and Experience (Required):

• Bachelor’s degree and ten years of relevant experience and management experience, preferably in an educational institution or nonprofit or combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (Required):

• Demonstrated fundraising experience, sensitivity, and diplomacy.
• 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 in guiding major gifts 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 fundraising activities simultaneously.
• Solid verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective management experience and excellent interpersonal skills; demonstrated experience recruiting, evaluating, mentoring, and placing staff.
• Demonstrated experience engaging and motivating groups of diverse individuals, including strong volunteer management skills.

Working Conditions:

• May require working flexible hours, including nights and weekends.
• Regular travel may be required.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequently perform desk-based computer tasks, sit, and use a telephone, stand/walk.
• Occasionally light/fine grasping, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds, writing by hand.

Work Standards:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide.

Pay Range:

The expected pay range for this position is $285,000 to $330,000 per annum.

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 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 résumé along with your online application. The cover letter should briefly describe why you believe you are a good fit for this position.

Why Stanford is for you:

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more

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.