Senior Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts Specialist Office of Development, Redwood City

Medical Center Development

Stanford University is one of the world’s premier academic and research institutions, devoting tremendous intellectual and physical resources toward the betterment of humanity. As a major Silicon Valley employer, Stanford seeks people committed to excellence and to improving our world. In turn, the university is committed to supporting its employees as they develop their careers and enrich their lives. We believe Stanford’s future success will be shaped by the diverse perspectives, unique experiences, and inclusive culture of its community.

Stanford Medicine is comprised of Stanford University School of Medicine, a premier research-intensive medical school, Stanford Health Care, a hospital that is nationally recognized for quality patient care and leading-edge technology, and Stanford Children’s Health, the only health care system in the San Francisco Bay Area exclusively dedicated to pediatric and obstetric care. Medical Center Development, in partnership with the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health, supports Stanford Medicine with highly trained and experienced fundraising professionals and partner teams and is committed to a donor-centric approach to development. Its top-ranking team continues to build upon the generous support of its donor community and has newly defined philanthropic priorities that align with the strategic vision of Stanford University, which is in the early stages of its next major fundraising effort. Every member of the Medical Center Development staff and the broader Office of Development staff plays a role in providing the university’s donors with the service and attention that ensures an exceptionally positive and fulfilling philanthropic experience. Stanford also believes that diversity and excellence go hand-in-hand and so hires individuals with a commitment to working effectively with colleagues and donors from diverse backgrounds.

The Major Gifts Specialist Team plays a direct role in supporting some of Stanford Medicine’s most generous donor relationships.

Medical Center Development seeks an experienced Senior Associate Director, Major Gifts Specialist, to identify, cultivate, solicit or arrange for the solicitation of individuals, families, and family foundations with the philanthropic capacity to make a gift of $250,000 to $10 million. Reporting to the Director of Clinical and Strategic Fundraising Initiatives, the Senior Associate Director will have responsibility for supporting the fundraising for one or more departments or initiatives, as well as contributing to the overall priorities at Stanford Medicine; for staffing faculty in their areas; and for overseeing a portfolio of donor relationships. This role requires experience, sensitivity, diplomacy and the ability to operate independently and as part of a team while representing Stanford Medicine. If you have the strategic skills necessary to simultaneously balance donor identification and solicitation, coordinate internal support activities including faculty management, while building donor-centric, meaningful relationships, then this position is for you.

The person in this role will have the opportunity to help build the future of medicine and health by supporting one of the leading academic medical centers in the country. You will work directly with some of the most innovative faculty and visionary donors, striving to make the donor experience as enriching and rewarding as possible while facilitating meaningful philanthropic gifts to advance medical research, patient care, and education.

This role will have a hybrid schedule, with your primary work location at our Redwood City, CA offices and the option to telecommute two to three days per week. Occasional event staffing may be required (evenings and weekends).

Your primary responsibilities include:

• Strategic responsibility as the lead fundraiser for the Byers Center for Biodesign and as a senior member of a dynamic team of fundraisers for the Byers Eye Institute/Department of Ophthalmology at Stanford Medicine, staffing faculty and donors in those areas, and carrying out broad aspects of fundraising activities focused on raising 6 and 7 figure gifts.
• Develop and monitor annual strategic programmatic goals and fundraising success, implementing appropriate interventions when necessary.
• Personally staff approximately 75-100 philanthropic relationships with consistent focus and high-touch engagement, cultivation, and stewardship that leads to successful solicitation strategies.
• Serve as the main point of contact in Medical Center Development for faculty in your area(s), partnering closely with academic leadership to develop fundraising plans, articulate a case for support, and track on progress. Interact regularly with faculty to gain a depth of specialized knowledge about their programs and identify potential donors including grateful patients.
• Develop and manage relationships of mutual respect and trust with faculty members, clinical and academic staff, and colleagues.
• Collaborate with colleagues in Major Gifts and other teams within Medical Center Development to implement fundraising activities, particularly Principal Gifts, Planned Giving, Research, Donor Relations, and Development Communications. Serve as content expert and resource for your area with other fundraisers and colleagues.
• Stay informed on current university initiatives and activities, including campaign priorities.
• A commitment to promoting and supporting an environment of diversity and inclusion

To be successful in this position, you will bring:

• Bachelor's degree or eight years of relevant experience or a combination of education and experience.
• Proven ability to achieve fundraising goals and a high level of comfort and effectiveness working with faculty, high net worth individuals, business executives, and community leaders.
• A sense of urgency in gift discussions and responding to philanthropic opportunities, being adaptable and achievement oriented.
• Commitment to a collaborative culture, with the patience, persistence, and flexibility to build consensus and facilitate decision-making across multiple constituencies.
• Excellent writing, communication and listening skills with the ability to collaborate and achieve results within diverse populations. A clear and confident communication style that shows spirit, enthusiasm and integrity.
• Proven skills in managing a number of competing priorities and complex issues creatively and effectively. This may include strategic planning, donor development, and faculty engagement with the day-to-day operations.