Development Officer Specialist

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 will be based at Stanford’s main campus five days per week during an initial six-month onboarding period. Following successful onboarding, a hybrid work schedule (on Stanford’s main campus three or more days per week), will be considered, subject to operational needs. 

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 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: 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 Development Officer Specialist collaborates with field staff in the engagement of prospects and donors. This work includes managing and tracking data, and using that data to inform field staff priorities and plans. This position provides essential support across prospect management, fundraising operations, annual giving, and development strategy. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to balance independent assignments with support for the development team. 

Your responsibilities will include: 

• Manage the prospect management system: research, assign, and prioritize prospects in CARD, Stanford’s Salesforce-based database.
• Develop tools to track and analyze the results of development activities, solicitation assignments, and progress.
• Monitor, analyze, and report on overall results to development colleagues and leadership.
• Conduct prospect research, including multi-interest prospect analysis; prioritize prospects; research and write briefing materials for development colleagues and school leadership;  provide dashboard analysis and generate reports.
• Work under consultative or self-initiated direction to assess, produce, and disseminate relevant, standard, or custom information (reports, charts, graphs, and tables) from structured data sources.
• Devise methods, using AI and other qualitative and quantitative resources, to identify data patterns and trends.
• Develop proposals and slide decks using templates and materials from a library of resources. 
• Work consistently to standardize and systemize routine reports, dashboards, and metrics. 
• Work with central development colleagues to manage an annual fund solicitation program; field questions from annual fund-level donors and navigate gift processing issues when necessary. 
• Assist faculty in accepting and processing gifts to their research programs, and assist in accepting and processing gifts under $250K. 
• Assist with gift processing and troubleshooting gift-related issues, including coordinating with university partners to resolve gift and payment issues and maintain accurate donor records. 
• Coordinate scheduling and logistics for donor meetings, faculty engagements, and other development-related activities in support of development officers and school leadership as needed. 
• Contribute to and participate in special projects or events.

In addition to the minimum qualifications listed below, our preferred qualifications include: 

• Eagerness to take on additional tasks as needed as a vital member of a small and highly productive team.   

• Experience in university advancement, non-profit fundraising, or related development environment

• Knowledge of Stanford University systems and policies
   

Physical requirements:

• Frequently perform desk-based computer tasks, sit, and use a telephone, stand/walk.

• Occasionally light/fine grasping, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds, writing by hand.

Working conditions:

• May require working flexible hours, including nights and weekends. Occasional travel may be required.

The expected pay range for this position is $89,000 to $108,000 per annum. 

Core Duties:

• Develop strategies to track and analyze results of development activities, solicitation assignments and progress.

• Establish ongoing relationships with individual alumni through personal visits, phone calls and meaningful contacts.

• Implement and manage programs to involve targeted populations of fundraising and volunteer activities. Designate volunteer assignments as appropriate and follow up with volunteers to ensure completion of assigned solicitations.

• Monitor, analyze and report on overall results to internal and external constituencies.

• Conduct prospect research, including multi-interest prospect analysis, prioritize prospects, summarize and prepare background information and gift opportunities for specific faculty; provide dashboard analysis and reporting.

• Work under consultative or self-initiated direction to assess and produce relevant, standard or custom information (reports, charts, graphs and tables), from structured data sources. Disseminate information to applicable agencies, researchers, management and other internal end users.

• Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in information sources using a variety of qualitative and quantitative techniques. Research, determine and recommend additional data collection and reporting requirements.

• Collaborate with technical staff to standardize and systemize routine reports, dashboard and metrics.

• May lead, manage and participate in special projects or events.

• May help guide other staff.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Advanced ability with Microsoft Office suite.

• Ability to work efficiently, juggle tasks simultaneously, meet deadlines, and achieve goals.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, and ability to interact with a wide range of people.

• Outstanding communication skills and exceptional attention to detail and follow-through.

• Ability to effectively communicate with both internal and external constituents.

• Proficiency with database systems, such as Microsoft Access.

• Advanced ability to collect data using a variety of methods, such as data mining and hard copy or electronic documentation study.

• Ability to manage multiple activities in deadline-oriented environment; highly organized, flexible and rigorous attention to detail.

• Demonstrated ability to produce data in a clear and understandable manner meeting user requirements.

• Ability to take leadership role on projects and with users/clients.

• Demonstrate a commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered.

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Drivers License Requirements

• 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 the California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements.