Associate Athletics Director, Development

SLAC; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 169,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Stanford Athletics is seeking an Associate Athletics Director, Development to lead the major gifts function within the DAPER Development Team. The role involves managing high-level donor portfolios, crafting and executing major gift strategies, and collaborating with coaches, staff, volunteers, and university colleagues to drive ambitious fundraising goals.

The ideal candidate will bring significant fundraising experience, strong strategic and relationship-building skills, and a proven track

Qualifications

• Significant fundraising experience and success in major gifts.
• Strong strategic thinking and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to lead teams and manage donor portfolios.
• Capacity to inspire and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the major gifts function within the DAPER Development Team.
• Manage a portfolio of high-level prospects and donors.
• Develop and execute major gift strategies in partnership with coaches and staff.
• Collaborate with volunteers and university colleagues to meet fundraising goals.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight for the development unit.

Skills

Fundraising

Leadership

Strategic planning

Relationship building

Portfolio management

Job description

Main Work Location: Historic Stanford Campus

Schedule: Hybrid (at least 3 days per week on site)

Budgeted Salary Range: The expected pay range for this position is $169,027 to $250,000 per annum.

Stanford’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (“DAPER”) is the premier intercollegiate athletics program in the country. We are the proud Home of Champions! We lead the nation with 138 NCAA team championships, have won the Women’s Capital One Cup four of the last five years, and have brought home the Learfield Directors’ Cup for 26 of the possible 31 seasons. We support nearly 900 student-athletes who compete on 36 intercollegiate athletics teams, as well as the university’s physical education, recreation, and wellness initiatives. Our dedicated staff embodies a culture of excellence, embraces our mission of scholar‑athleticism, and exemplifies a relentless championship spirit. To learn more about Stanford Athletics, please visit gostanford.com.

Housed within Stanford Athletics, the development team is a part of the Office of Development (OOD), which advances Stanford’s mission by raising philanthropic support from alumni, parents, families, friends, and institutional funders. Working in concert with volunteers and university 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.

Position Summary

The Associate Athletics Director, Development will lead the major gifts function within the DAPER Development Team (team of 3 fundraisers), providing strategic direction, staff leadership, and oversight of a comprehensive fundraising unit designed to advance Stanford Athletics’ priorities. Responsibilities include managing a portfolio of high-level prospects, developing and executing major gift strategies, partnering with coaches, staff, volunteers, and university colleagues, and driving efforts to achieve ambitious fundraising goals. The ideal candidate will bring significant fundraising experience, strong strategic and relationship‑building skills, proven success managing teams and donor portfolios, and the ability to inspire and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to advance the mission of Stanford Athletics.