Director of Development, International Division

Director of Development, International Division

Office of External Relations, Stanford, California, United States

Development

Post Date May 15, 2026

Requisition # 109217

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.

OOD seeks a globally minded and experienced Director of its International Division. This fundraising leader should thrive at the intersection of complexity and opportunity, with equal respect for systems and their procedures and for creativity and capacious thinking. Their ethical judgement, particularly in ambiguity and uncertainty, is a core part of who they are and how they connect donor engagement and support to the university's mission and priorities. They are comfortable navigating cultural nuance, whether it's staffing university leadership at a donor dinner in Hong Kong, in a meeting with faculty on cutting-edge science, or within a collaborative fundraising organization. The ideal candidate leads with intellectual curiosity and has integrity and humility at the heart of their hustle.

The Director is responsible for the central team managing the full life-cycle of fundraising activities outside the United States: a formidable team of fundraisers primarily focusing on Asia and Europe and a development coordinator supporting the team's operations and needs. This position will be hybrid 2 to 3 days per week on site.

• The Director will work with alumni, parents and friends to develop relationships that will lead to major and principal philanthropic support of the University. In concert with international teammates and fundraising colleagues, they will be expected to gain familiarity with key international markets and be willing to travel to those countries regularly. Key markets are in Asia, with select focus on emerging areas in other regions as well.

• They will lead the team's strategic staffing of academic leaders traveling to international regions, matching the team's strengths and capacity to the priorities of the university and schools and collaborating with school and unit fundraisers. The Director will manage presidential travel.

• They will also think holistically and with international fundraisers and colleagues on: researching and evaluating due diligence; strategizing regional engagement; cultivating and soliciting corporate, foundation and select governmental sources for support; meeting domestic reporting requirements on international gifts; and stewarding support.

Your responsibilities will include :

• Supporting and leading a high performing team.

• Staffing the president, senior university leaders, faculty, and high-level volunteers in concert with the full team.

• Providing engagement and stewardship of Stanford's generous supporters and high-level volunteers.

• Maintaining an active schedule of contacts, activities and solicitations with individuals with ratings of $1M and above.

• Building upon, thinking strategically and comprehensively, monitoring, and driving a robust international pipeline of donors and volunteers in conjunction with schools and units, with particular focus on managing multi-interest prospects and projects.

• Fostering and continuing to strengthen an international community of practice that collaborates on due diligence, strategy, pipeline development, leadership meetings, planned solicitations, and shared priorities with colleagues across: schools and units; central Office of Development (OOD) departments including Major Gifts, Principal Gifts, Research, Donor Relations, and The Stanford Fund; and with the Stanford Alumni Association and its international club organization;

• Representing Stanford at a wide range of events and activities overseas, from the Global Economic Forum to the Open Minds Tour.

• Supporting a robust community of international practitioners across schools and units through regular convenings that promote knowledge sharing, communication, and prospect coordination.

• Other duties may also be assigned

To be successful in this role, you will bring :

Bachelor's degree and eight years of relevant experience and management experience, preferably in an educational institution or nonprofit or a combination of education and relevant experience.

• A passion for excellence.

• A deep interest in global communities and issues.

• Excellent judgment, interpersonal and communication skills, especially in cross-cultural settings; and ability to make independent decisions with demonstrated managerial talent in guiding major and principal gifts efforts.

• Ability to lead and motivate others and earn the respect of associates at all levels.

• Demonstrated experience and effectiveness in prospect identification, relationship building and solicitation; and proven ability to meet fundraising goals with a strong track record in managing and balancing donor and faculty relationships.

• Strategic skills to manage a large number of fundraising activities simultaneously, as well as the ability to manage complex issues creatively, effectively and with humor.

• Willingness to travel extensively, and to plan and participate in campus visits by international donors and prospects.

• Fluency in a foreign language is highly desirable, with a preference for Mandarin.

• Evidence of being highly adaptable in working with changing priorities. Knowledge and appreciation for, and ability to broadly represent the mission of a major research university.

• Understanding of tax laws and other incentives or disincentives affecting charitable giving in key international markets.

The expected pay range for this position is $169,027 to $250,000 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. 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 ( ) 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.

Working Conditions :

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

Work Standards :

• 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,

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. Ourcultureandunique perksempower 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 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 by submitting 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.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time

• Job Code: 4296

• Employee Status: Regular

• Grade: M

• Requisition ID: 109217

• Work Arrangement : Hybrid Eligible