Northern California HERC

This position has been deemed critical by the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability Dean's Office and is exempt from the hiring pause.

This position is based on Stanford's main campus with consideration given to the option for a hybrid work schedule (partially onsite and offsite), subject to operational need. Interested candidates must include a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

About us

The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability (SDSS) strives to create a future when humans and nature thrive in concert and in perpetuity. The school is made up of a three-part structure to drive global impact through research and education: Our academic departments and programs educate students and create new knowledge across areas of research that are crucial for advancing the long-term prosperity of the planet and people; Institutes bridge scholarship at Stanford and beyond, bringing multiple viewpoints to bear on urgent challenges; The Sustainability Accelerator drives new policy and technology solutions through a worldwide network of partners who work with our teams to develop solutions at a global scale. The school is dedicated to creating and supporting a community with the richness of experience and background needed to create solutions that benefit all people, particularly those most affected by environmental damage and climate change.

For more information on the school, click here.

The Associate Dean for Development (AD) is a key member of the SDSS senior leadership team and works directly with the Dean. The AD reports to the Dean and collaborates closely with the Associate Vice President in the Office of Development. This role entails overseeing teams in development, alumni relations, and stewardship for the Doerr School of Sustainability.

We are looking for an exceptional candidate to fill this high-visibility position--an adaptable senior leader who will excel in crafting overall development strategies for the school, in guiding a strong team of development professionals, and in executing on the strategy to achieve the school's development goals. The associate dean will also serve as a close partner with the dean in forging trusting relationships with key prospective donors and provide advice on all aspects of development strategy and donor engagement. The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced, and highly collaborative environment and can effectively build strong relationships within the team, the School, and the Stanford campus. This is a unique opportunity to play a central role in the success of a new school at one of the world's leading research universities and contribute to building a more sustainable future for people and the planet.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Partnerships:

• Serve as a trusted senior advisor to the Dean on development strategy, fundraising programmatic and policy development, negotiating and influencing university-wide initiatives that impact SDSS.
• Collaborate with academic leadership, including institute directors, department chairs and managers, to foster the long-term strategic vision and implementation of development plans for the school.

Major Initiatives and Fund-Raising Strategy:

• Champion high-visibility major initiatives and innovation projects that further the mission of SDSS.
• Exercise strategic management of development and fundraising goals and activities, efficiently cultivating and soliciting high-level gifts to the university.
• Oversee a team of development staff and engage directly with an active portfolio of donors, cultivating relationships, and stewarding support to enhance engagement and financial contributions.
• Collaborate with volunteers, faculty, and senior leaders on innovative fundraising initiatives, developing comprehensive plans for effective implementation.

Collaboration and Engagement:

• Partner with the Dean's leadership team and the Office of Development to advance programs that highlight SDSS's strengths and support the Dean's priorities.
• Lead initiatives to engage alumni and donors, aiming to meet significant fundraising goals and strengthen relationships.

Team Management and Resource Management:

• Directly lead and oversee the SDSS development leadership team, providing guidance and support to achieve departmental goals.
• Responsible for hiring, retaining, and developing staff, including career coaching and personal development for direct reports.
• Foster a culture of accountability and high performance, regularly assessing and managing employee performance.
• Oversee the allocation of resources, ensuring financial viability and sustainability of the organization. Manage the consolidated annual budget plan for the team.

* 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.