Associate Director Of Donor Relations

Main work location: This position is open to 100% remote work.
The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability (SDSS) has a unifying goal of creating a future in which humans and nature thrive together in concert and in perpetuity. The school's unique three-part structure consisting of departments to drive scholarship and educate students, institutes to innovate across disciplines, and an accelerator to drive policy and technology solutions reimagines how universities can contribute to the planet's sustainability. We focus on creating knowledge and scaling solutions that benefit our local community and people globally, while also creating a school community that is inclusive of all people. For more information on the school please click here.
We are looking for a strategic thinker who is laser focused on communicating philanthropic impact and who brings excellent writing, project management, and interpersonal skills. The ideal candidate will show clear attention to detail, simultaneously managing both strategic and practical priorities in areas such as program implementation and finance, narrative reporting, and donor engagement opportunities. You will earn the trust of your colleagues and leaders with your professionalism, judgment, and keen focus on quality and accuracy.
JOB PURPOSE:
The Associate Director of Donor Relations will design and implement highly individualized Donor Relations strategies, programs, reports, and activities to maximize donor engagement, communicate impact, and advance development goals. As part of the five-member SDSS Development Communications & Donor Relations team, the Associate Director collaborates closely with gift officers and Donor Relations colleagues in the school and the university's central Office of Development.
CORE DUTIES:

• Participate in defining the Donor Relations strategy for a significant portfolio of Donors in adherence to the university's Donor Relations guidelines. Ensure messaging aligns with SDSS communications plans and strategic priorities. Identify key information, messages and topics.
• Develop and implement programs that provide comprehensive reporting to donors.
• Communicate Donor Relations plans across the school and with partner teams.
• Establish and maintain strong partnerships with gift officers in order to maximize engagement for their portfolios of Donors. Build complete understanding of each donor's involvement and giving activity.
• Write and/or supervise writing of Donor reports on complex topics. Oversee design and production. Occasionally work with partners to produce video and events.
• Create supplementary materials for donor meetings, including backgrounders, biographies, briefing materials, and talking points.
• Assist the director in allocating resources for Donor Relations reporting, gift acknowledgments, and Donor Relations requests.
• Execute fiduciary responsibility to ensure that gifts are awarded and utilized in accordance with donor expectations and university policy in a timely manner. Resolve discrepancies and escalate when needed.
• Proactively monitor and manage the Donor Relations needs of Donors. Build a complete understanding of each donor's involvement and giving activity.
• Maintain open channels of communications with Donor Relations colleagues across the university.
• Manage vendors/consultants on specific projects.
• Assist director in managing program budget and implementing goals and objectives in alignment with organizational goals.
• Assess Donor Relations opportunities and track Donor Relations trends. Recommend Donor Relations improvements based on findings.
• Demonstrate a commitment to promoting and supporting an environment of diversity and inclusion.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong client service orientation and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, and professionalism to interact with a wide range of people at different levels of an organization.
• Ability to clearly and credibly communicate a diverse array of topics.
• Ability to articulate progress and impact in a way that is understandable and meaningful to various constituencies.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to edit high-level correspondence.
• Demonstrated understanding of a wide variety of Donor audiences.
• Demonstrated project management skills and experience leading project teams.
• Proven ability to effectively and efficiently manage multiple priorities with competing deadlines.
• Must be able to conduct research and interpret information available in a database.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Tact, discretion, and experience handling confidential information.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite and database applications.
• Demonstrated sound judgment in situations requiring independent decision-making and in handling confidential and sensitive material.
• Knowledge of Stanford's contact management and financial reporting systems is a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Frequently perform desk-based computer tasks, stand/walk, sit, use a telephone.
• Occasionally light/fine grasping, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds, writing by hand.

* - 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.
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.

This role is open to candidates anywhere in the United States. Stanford University has five Regional Pay Structures. The compensation for this position will be based on the location of the successful candidate.
The expected pay range for this position is $71,000 to $108,000 per annum.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.
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 Bay Area 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.
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 film screening, listen to a renowned author, or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide excellent retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, swim in our Olympic-sized pool, or choose from hundreds of health and fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide highly competitive health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commute 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.
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.
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.