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Chief of Staff, Office of Development

Employer
Stanford University
Location
California, United States
Salary
$175,000.00 - $185,000.00
Closing date
Aug 23, 2022

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 Silicon Valley 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.

 

The Office of Development (OOD) advances Stanford’s mission by raising philanthropic support from alumni, parents, families, friends, and institutional funders. Working in concert with volunteers and academic leaders, OOD staff members strive to accelerate Stanford’s purposeful impact in the world. Stanford is committed to a donor-centric approach to development. Every member of the Office of Development staff plays a role in providing the university’s donors with the service and attention that ensures an exceptionally positive and fulfilling philanthropic experience. 

 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Chief of Staff (COS) serves as a key member of Stanford University’s Office of Development (OOD). This position reports to the Vice President for Development (VP) and works in close collaboration with the VP and other senior staff within OOD on a wide range of projects and activities.

 

This position will exercise considerable discretion and judgment and will be in service to the OOD leadership team.  The COS must possess strong management, interpersonal and highly-honed judgment skills.  The COS will have an eager willingness to accept challenges and develop a high level of trust within the Office of Development, the Office of External Relations, the Office of the President and Provost, and with Stanford’s external constituencies. A key success factor of this position will be the individual’s ability to convene subject matter experts to advance the mission and work of OOD.  

 

The COS will interact with the VP for Development, the VP’s senior leadership team, senior Development and External Relations staff across campus, staff members in the Office of the President and Provost, other campus officials, volunteers and others engaged with Stanford University. The COS will also provide high level oversight of the VP area support personnel.

 

Your responsibilities include:

  • Support the work of OOD’s leadership team in strategic planning, policy development and decision-making. 
  • Serve as “air traffic controller” for the VP and the OOD leadership team, guiding the day-to-day operations of the Office of the VP.
  • Oversee large, often cross-functional, organization-wide projects or initiatives, bringing together important stakeholders and helping to drive decisions.  Ensure timely and effective completion of projects and initiatives.
  • Facilitate efficient coordination and collaboration with university External Relations partners.
  • Assist with strategic agenda-setting and coordination across the OOD Leadership Team and Management Committee, Development Leadership Council, and other staff committees and task forces.
  • Manage the VP’s office operations, including supervising the VP area office staff. Supervision will include, but not limited to, hiring, determining workload, delegating assignments, providing ongoing performance management through feedback and coaching, training, monitoring and evaluating performance, and career discussions. 
  • A commitment to promoting and supporting an environment of diversity and inclusion.

 

Direct Support of the Office of the Vice President

  • Staff the VP based on an in-depth understanding of OOD’s and the VP’s strategic initiatives. Working with executive assistant, evaluate requests for time to assess fit against organizational priorities.
  • Ensure the VP's involvement in projects or decision-making processes takes place at key times, where the VP’s input and authority are most needed.
  • In close coordination with assigned development officers, help to facilitate strategy development, execution and follow-up with prospects assigned to the VP.
  • Prepare for and follow up on meetings, including with the Executive Cabinet, the president’s senior staff, the president’s chief of staff, and the deans, as well as campaign volunteers, as needed. Prepare the VP for upcoming meetings by ensuring the VP has all the information necessary to be productive and engaged.  Join key meetings and participate in debrief sessions, assuming responsibility for completion of action items.

 

OOD Meeting and Event Preparation

  • Work closely with the VP and OOD’s leadership team to plan a variety of OOD meetings to include the development of agendas, identification of meeting participants, preparation and distribution of briefing materials. Ensure meetings are memorialized. May delegate aspects of this responsibility.
  • Responsible for tracking, monitoring and follow-up on the progress of projects, action items and strategies coming from these meetings. Initiates subsequent follow-up meetings and communications with key stakeholders regarding various outcomes and action plans.

 

To be successful in this position, you will bring:

  • Bachelor’s degree and ten years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience
  • Proven skills in managing a number of competing priorities and complex issues creatively and effectively.
  • Proven ability to make independent decisions.
  • Must be able to quickly resolve problems while employing strong diplomatic skills and with a high regard for important internal and external relationships.
  • Demonstrated ability to motivate and engage through highly effective presentations and communication. A clear and confident communication style which shows spirit, enthusiasm, and integrity.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the proven ability to collaborate, build team spirit, and achieve results within diverse populations.
  • Ability to meet deadlines and function effectively in a complex organizational environment demanding a high energy level, discretion, and flexibility.
  • Demonstrated abilities to be adaptable and thrive in an environment of ambiguity.  Work well and successfully in a constantly evolving setting.
  • Demonstrated experience engaging and motivating groups of diverse individuals.

In addition, our preferred requirements are:

  • Familiarity with major and/or principal gift fundraising experience is strongly preferred.
  • Experience working in higher education preferred.
  • Experience managing administrative staff.

 

TO APPLY:

To be considered, please submit a cover letter and a resume with your online application. The cover letter should briefly describe why you believe you are a good fit for this position.

 

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 Silicon Valley 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 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

 

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 aprovide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her 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.

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