Senior Athletics Development Director

Stanford University School of Medicine; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 169,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Stanford Athletics, within the Office of Development, seeks an Associate Athletics Director, Development to lead the major gifts function, oversee a team of three fundraisers, and drive fundraising strategies to advance Stanford Athletics’ priorities.

The role manages a high‑level donor portfolio, partners with coaches and university colleagues, and mentors staff to meet ambitious goals while strengthening donor relations and supporting Stanford’s mission.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated fundraising experience, sensitivity, and diplomacy.
• Excellent judgment, interpersonal and communication skills; ability to lead and motivate others.
• 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 donor relationships.
• Ability to manage a large number of fundraising activities simultaneously.
• Solid verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective management experience and excellent interpersonal skills; experience recruiting, evaluating, mentoring staff.
• Demonstrated experience engaging diverse groups, including strong volunteer management.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement a specific fund-raising program. Cultivate and solicit gifts to the university.
• Manage an active portfolio, and track solicitation assignments and progress.
• Collaborate with staff and faculty to develop gift ideas and foster relationships.
• Lead fundraising activities, provide stewardship, identify new donors and volunteers, coordinate efforts.
• Staff academic leaders in donor interactions and build relationships with them.
• Direct and supervise major gift officers and infrastructure partners.
• Provide opportunities for professional growth focusing on retention to increase team capacity.
• Ensure resources are allocated towards programs and resolve internal issues.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Strategic planning

Team leadership

Donor relations

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Stanford Athletics, within the Office of Development, seeks an Associate Athletics Director, Development to lead the major gifts function, oversee a team of three fundraisers, and drive fundraising strategies to advance Stanford Athletics’ priorities.

The role manages a high‑level donor portfolio, partners with coaches and university colleagues, and mentors staff to meet ambitious goals while strengthening donor relations and supporting Stanford’s mission.