Senior Associate Director of Development, Sustainability

Senior Associate Director of Development, Sustainability

New Sustainability School at Stanford

Stanford is taking the historic step of creating a new school that will be focused on climate and sustainability, the first new school at the university in more than 70 years. The new school (name to be finalized) will be focused on a unifying goal of creating a future in which humans and nature thrive together in concert and in perpetuity. Faculty, students, and staff will pursue this goal through three primary pathways to impact:

• Advancing knowledge critical to sustaining life on Earth
• Preparing students as future sustainability leaders through rigorous, engaged education and research
• Catalyzing informed action globally to generate and accelerate local, national, and global solutions to the defining challenge for humanity

The research, teaching, and engagement activity in the new school will be grounded in eight scholarship areas:

• Climate Change
• Earth and Planetary Sciences
• Energy Technology
• Sustainable Urban Development
• The Natural Environment
• Food and Water Security
• Human Society and Behavior
• Human Health and the Environment

The new school will be composed of academic departments; institutes, including the Woods Institute for the Environment, the Precourt Institute for Energy, and a new Institute for Sustainable Societies, which will house initiatives to support faculty and student collaboration within and beyond the new school; and a Sustainability Accelerator, which will be focused on externalizing policy and technology solutions at scale. It will offer disciplinary and interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate degrees, courses and student experiences designed to enable all Stanford students to engage with sustainability scholarship, as well as professional education programs. The new school will be based in a new academic common that will become an intellectual hub and a visible and welcoming environment for the entire Stanford community and beyond.

JOB PURPOSE:

Reporting to the Associate Dean for Development, the Senior Associate Director of Development will plan and implement major gift fundraising activity on behalf of the new school, eventually taking lead responsibility for one or more key priority areas such as the new Institute for Sustainable Societies, the Sustainability Accelerator, and/or educational programs. The Senior Associate Director will also contribute significantly to recruiting for and providing staffing for volunteer groups. Working independently but as part of a team, the Senior Associate Director will take responsibility for prospect identification and solicitation and proposal development. She/he will work with prospects, donors, volunteers, faculty, and university colleagues to assist in establishing and maintaining relationships with all university constituencies.

CORE DUTIES:

• Develop solicitation goals, objectives, and strategies for development activities in the new school with emerging focal areas, in collaboration and coordination with development colleagues, faculty leaders, and senior staff
• Manage an active portfolio, and track solicitation assignments and progress in our database, CARD. Grow a portfolio of assigned prospects to cultivate, solicit, and steward their support.
• Take responsibility for maintaining an active level of contacts, identifying new prospective donors and volunteers, providing stewardship, and coordinating volunteer fundraising efforts.
• Establish ongoing relationships with individual alumni, parents, and friends through personal visits, phone calls, and meaningful contacts with an aim to secure gifts in the $250,000 - $10,000,000 range.
• Prioritize prospects, prepare background information, make volunteer assignments as appropriate, and follow up with volunteers to ensure completion of assigned solicitations.
• Seek out and design cultivation events to leverage the personal networks of engaged volunteer leaders and donors to bring other potential prospects into conversation with Stanford.
• Stay informed and educated on current university initiatives and activities and become well-versed in other university programs that are closely related to these institutes.
• Work closely with other colleagues in the Office of Development and serve as an effective advocate and resource to others on behalf of the school.
• A commitment to promoting and supporting an environment of diversity and inclusion.

Other duties may also be assigned as the team grows with potential for management opportunities.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

Bachelor's degree and eight years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated effectiveness in prospect identification, relationship building, and solicitation.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring and working with volunteers, faculty, and staff.
• Superior written and oral communication skills, with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to articulate a compelling case for philanthropic support programs.
• Ability to translate complex concepts into compelling development proposals.
• Ability to work effectively with faculty, top executives, and community leaders.

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.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a California Non-commercial Class driver’ license.

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

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

WORK STANDARDS:

• When conducting university business, must comply with the California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements.
• 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, http://adminguide.stanford.edu .

WHY STANFORD IS FOR YOU:

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.

The Office of Development (OOD) advances Stanford’s mission by raising philanthropic support from alumni, parents, families, friends, and institutional funders. Working in concert with volunteers and academic leaders, OOD staff members strive to accelerate Stanford’s purposeful impact in the world.

Stanford is committed to a donor-centric approach to development. Every member of the 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.

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.

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.