Director, Major Gifts

Director, Major Gifts

Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) has built a global reputation based on its immersive and innovative management programs. We provide students a transformative leadership experience, pushing the boundaries of knowledge with faculty research, and offering a portfolio of entrepreneurial and non‑degree programs that deliver global impact. We invite you to be part of our mission of developing innovative, principled, and insightful leaders who change lives, change organizations, and change the world.

The Stanford Graduate School of Business seeks a Director, Major Gifts to lead its fundraising efforts, focusing on securing major gifts ranging from $100,000 to $10 million. Additionally, the Director will be a key partner in supporting a structured principal gift program for solicitations exceeding $10 million. This pivotal position involves managing a high‑performing team, including seven fundraisers, with a strong emphasis on achieving the school’s fundraising goals.

The ideal candidate will be a dynamic leader adept at building relationships, inspiring teams, navigating ambiguity, and achieving results in a complex, collaborative environment.

• Develop and implement the major gift strategy for the GSB, overseeing new gifts and collaborating across the school and Stanford to establish fundraising goals and opportunities.
• Partner with faculty and volunteers to define resource needs and translate the Dean’s priorities into actionable giving opportunities. This will include designing and running task forces, conducting interviews, engaging constituents in campaign design, and executing communication plans to ensure faculty awareness and buy‑in.
• Play a vital role in collaborating and partnering with principal gift colleagues focused on shaping strategic initiatives.
• Act as a player‑coach, maintaining a personal portfolio while exceeding individual fundraising targets.
• Lead, inspire, and motivate the Major Gifts team by fostering an innovative work environment that celebrates achievements, encourages new ideas, and supports risk‑taking.
• Set team culture and expectations while ensuring that all members have access to the knowledge and resources they need to be successful.
• Develop strategies to increase prospect coverage and manage hiring, onboarding, training, performance evaluation, and professional development for team members, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Deliver coaching to staff, understanding their short‑ and long‑term career goals while providing opportunities for learning and development.
• Collaborate with the team and other stakeholders to ensure appropriate allocation of resources toward programs and address any internal allocation challenges.
• Maintain stewardship to donors, actively engaging to cultivate and solicit support.
• Manage communication standards across the team to ensure transparency and effective information flow.

• Bachelor’s degree with eight years of relevant experience, including management experience, ideally in educational institutions or nonprofits.
• Proven track record in fundraising with strong interpersonal, communication, and strategic planning skills.
• Effective management skills with a demonstrated ability to mentor and retain fundraising staff, coupled with a customer service focus.
• Demonstrated experience in management of projects, including project planning, scheduling, tracking, and budgeting.
• Strong analytical capabilities and comfort with technology and data management to drive fundraising strategies.
• Strong communication skills to effectively educate internal and external audiences.
• Ability to work a hybrid schedule.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

• Must possess and maintain a valid California non‑commercial Class C Driver’s License.

• Ability to drive day or night.

• When conducting university business, must comply with California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements.

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Experience in major and principal gifts or similar fundraising roles.
• Experience in…