Have you engaged in a development career and are eager to learn by doing? Do you like connecting the dots of how donor relationships, gift activity, and strategy actually come together? Would you value a role that lets you contribute in meaningful ways behind the scenes while also engaging directly with corporate and foundation partners?
Who We Are:
The Stanford University Graduate School of Education (GSE) is a top-ranked school of education, known for its prestigious faculty, rigorous graduate degree programs, and its impact on the quality of education across the world. The GSE is committed to developing leaders in education research, practice, and policy. Our community includes over 60 faculty, 400 students, 200 staff, more than 14,000 alumni and countless people from the local and global communities we work with and impact.
GSE seeks a full-time Development Officer Specialist to support fundraising for the school, with an emphasis on research centers and schoolwide initiatives. This role specializes in philanthropy from corporations and foundations, working independently on donor engagement while expanding the capacity of gift officers to focus on strategy, cultivation, and stewardship of prospective and current donors.
The Development Officer Specialist will work closely with development officers to manage corporate and foundation portfolios and plays a key role on the GSE External Relations team in advancing the school’s strategic fundraising goals.
This position is hybrid. Interested applicants should include a resume and cover letter describing why they are interested in this position at this stage of their career.
What You’ll Do:
The Development Officer Specialist supports donor relationships while coordinating the gift activity that advances GSE’s fundraising goals. This work includes partnering with research colleagues on donor due diligence, drafting gift agreements with the legal team, liaising with the University’s Corporate & Foundation Relations office, and preparing briefings for gift officers, faculty, and volunteer leaders. You will work directly with corporate and foundation representatives, gathering and sharing insights that inform relationship strategy, while helping donors navigate university processes and translating faculty priorities into clear opportunities for support. Behind the scenes, you will keep this work organized, accurate, and moving forward.
You will also take an active role in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding corporate and foundation donors in support of the GSE’s priorities. The strongest candidates for this role are relationship-minded operators—people who are equally comfortable managing process and building meaningful connections.
CORE DUTIES
What You’ll Bring:
We are looking for someone who can see the big picture while managing the detailed work that moves both individual and team goals forward. This position calls for someone who is adept at producing high-quality work for internal partners and external constituents and is comfortable navigating institutional relationships with professionalism and care. The successful candidate is a thoughtful, service-oriented colleague who communicates clearly, builds trust across a range of audiences, and approaches the work with curiosity, sound judgment, and follow-through.
Because this position works closely with donors, faculty, development colleagues, and campus partners, you should be able to demonstrate strong relationship-building skills and an ability to coordinate complex efforts with accuracy and discretion. A practical problem solver with a steady work ethic and collaborative mindset will thrive in this role. Some additional requirements include:
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
WORKING CONDITIONS
May be required to work non-standard, extended or weekend hours in support of research work.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Frequently perform desk-based computer tasks, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
Occasionally stand/walk, sit, use a telephone, write by hand, and sort/file paperwork or parts.
Rarely twist/bend/stoop/squat, kneel/crawl, reach/work above shoulders, operate foot and/or hand controls.
The expected pay range for this position is $89,340 - $104,000 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.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
Why Stanford is for You:
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 TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!
We pride ourselves in being a culture that encourages and empowers you.
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 accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources at stanfordelr@stanford.edu. For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form.
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.
How to Apply :
We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button. To be considered, you must submit a cover letter and résumé along with your online application.
● Finalist must successfully complete a background check prior to working at Stanford University.
● Applicants to this position must be available to work in the United States without sponsorship for 2 years or more. OPT permit holders should confirm that they are eligible to work in the US at the Stanford GSE for two years or more.
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