Associate Dean for External Relations, Stanford Law School
Stanford University
Application
Details
Posted: 26-Nov-25
Location: Stanford, California
Type: Full-time
Internal Number: 107806
Associate Dean for External Relations, Stanford Law School
This is a hybrid role, with the expectation of three days in the office per week, at minimum.
Stanford University is one of the world's premier academic institutions, producing and disseminating knowledge for the betterment of humanity. As a major Silicon Valley employer, Stanford seeks to recruit individuals committed to excellence and to improving our world through research and education. 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 talents, perspectives and experiences of its employees, and the inclusive culture of its community.
Stanford Law School (SLS) is one of the top-rated law schools in the world. At SLS, we share a passion for knowledge and innovation, driven by a sense of purpose and a commitment to transformative solutions.The law school prepares our students to be leaders in the legal profession, industry and government. True to our Silicon Valley roots and our Stanford heritage, we are entrepreneurial and focused on contributing to a better future for our nation and world, through our graduates and faculty research. Experimentation, exploration, the translation of new knowledge are in our DNA.
The Office of External Relations is a collaborative team, supporting the law school's mission by promoting major gifts, annual giving, alumni relations, and advancement marketing. The External Relations team at SLS seeks to engage alumni and friends in the life of the school.
Summary:
Stanford Law School seeks an Associate Dean (AD) for External Relations.Reporting to the Dean of Stanford Law School, the AD functions as the chief development officer and as the principal advocate for the dean's funding priorities to alumni and friends of the School.The successful candidate should possess deep fundraising experience, handle him/her/themselves with sensitivity, diplomacy, and discretion; demonstrate exceptional professional judgement, and an ability to lead, inspire and mentor individuals and teams. If you have the leadership and strategic skills to balance prospect identification and solicitation, build alumni and donor-centered and meaningful relationships, develop, execute and measure progress toward strategic objectives, and partner effectively with academic leadership, faculty, senior staff, and fellow SLS and university development colleagues, then this position is for you.
The Associate Dean for External Relations, SLS is the principal advisor to the Dean on all aspects of development, alumni relations, and advancement marketing.The AD will also work closely with the Chief Communications Officer at the law School.The AD serves as the chief liaison to Stanford University's Office of Development and acts as the School advocate in that office. The Associate Dean helps to define and shape the central role that the Dean and senior associate deans plays with alumni and donors and actively participates with them in the cultivation and solicitation of prospective donors.The Associate Dean represents the Dean before various donor constituencies and plays a central role in the external relations of the School.
As a senior officer of SLS, the Associate Dean works with the Dean, other senior leaders at the school and each of the academic departments and interdisciplinary programs of the School, to formulate fundraising priorities and define specific gift opportunities. The Associate Dean and his/her staff work closely with the Dean, the faculty and senior university Development staff to develop marketing strategies that can be used to promote people and programs requiring gift support. The Associate Dean serves as the principal gift fundraiser for the law school.
Your responsibilities will include:
With a current staff of 29, play a critical role in the successful pursuit of the School's fundraising, alumni relations, and advancement marketing objectives.
Provides strategy, leadership, and direction for the External Relations teams of multiple complex programs with expansive scope and impact.
Has a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, and develops and implements major gift strategies using whatever school and University resources are required to successfully secure support for the School's objectives.Cultivates and solicits gifts to the University.
Prepares and provides written materials describing School objectives and join with faculty to serve as expert witnesses with prospective donors. Also monitors the activities of several major support groups that provide ongoing support for the School.
Collaborates with volunteers, faculty and senior leaders on innovations and goals and develops plans for implementation.
Directs staff and provides leadership to achieve goals and vision of the organization. Responsible for hiring and retaining staff, career coaching, professional development for direct reports and accountable for the performance of employees.
Oversight for all programs related to development for the School.
A commitment to promoting and supporting an environment of diversity and inclusion.
To be successful in this position, you will bring:
Bachelor's degree and twelve years of relevant experience and management experience, preferably in an educational institution or nonprofit, or a combination of education and relevant experience.
Significant major gift fundraising experience, with a demonstrated record of success. Principal gift fundraising experience preferred.
Excellent judgment, interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to lead and motivate others and earn the respect of associates at all levels.
Strategic skills to craft and help implement fundraising plans.
Demonstrated managerial talent and leadership skills in guiding major gifts, alumni relations, and advancement marketing efforts.
Customer service expertise serving faculty.
Proven ability to meet fundraising goals with a strong track record in managing and balancing donor and faculty relationships.
Ability to manage a large number of External Relations activities simultaneously with maximum independence.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Effective management experience and excellent interpersonal skills; demonstrated experience recruiting, evaluating, mentoring, and developing staff.
Demonstrated experience engaging and motivating groups of diverse individuals, including strong volunteer management skills.
Other duties as assigned.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
We encourage you to apply for this role by submitting your resume and a cover letter describing your interest in this position.The deadline to apply is December 31, 2025.
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.
The expected pay range for this position is $252,660 to $314,186 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.
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.
Stanford Law School seeks to hire the best talent and to promote a safe and secure environment for all members of the university community and its property. To that end, new staff hires must successfully pass a background check prior to starting work at Stanford University.
Why work at Stanford?Stanford University has changed the world, over and over again.We are one of Silicon Valley's largest employers - and also one of the most unique. Our mission is to educate future leaders and promote interdisciplinary, world-class research and teaching. This passion makes Stanford an intensely creative, rewarding, and challenging place to work. At the same time, our traditions of respect and collaboration sustain a humane, supportive environment in which to pursue your life and your career.At Stanford you'll work with bright, diverse, dedicated people. You'll find encouragement to learn and grow. You'll enjoy excellent benefits and an outstanding environment. How will it change you?
