Project Manager, Major Gifts

BACKGROUND CHECK:

Final offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check that may include employment history, national criminal background check, national sex offender registry search and, where applicable, a credit check and/or driving record.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Stanford Medicine, which comprises Stanford University Medical School – a premier research-intensive medical school – and Stanford Hospitals and Clinics – nationally recognized for quality patient care and leading-edge technology – seeks an experienced Project Manager.  The Project Manager will support and enhance the success of the Major Gift programs for key Stanford Medicine priorities during an exciting time of change, expansion and revitalization. 

The professional in this position reports to a director within the Major Gifts team in the Division of Hospital and Medical Development and Alumni Affairs. 

This year, Stanford brings to a close its $4.3 billion university-wide campaign, The Stanford Challenge, approximately $1.2 billion of which has been raised for Stanford Medicine priorities.  At the same time, Stanford Medicine is laying the groundwork for a new philanthropic effort anticipated to be in the range of $1.5 billion.  

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         The Project Manager will play a vital role in the major gift effort.   The position requires experience, sensitivity, and diplomacy; understanding of the preparation, relationship-building and strategies involved in securing major gifts; talent in guiding project manager work in support of major gifts efforts.  

·         Each Project Manager supports Major Gift Specialists and Major Gift Officers who are front-line field staff.   Project Managers are responsible for 1) writing briefing papers, proposals, letters and other correspondence related to preparing front-line major gifts staff/faculty/Dean/Hospital CEO for cultivation, solicitations and stewardship of prospects (usually rated $1M+); 2) producing and analyzing prospect data related to major gifts – prospect lists for further staff attention and engagement, adding pipeline prospects, grouping prospects from a particular geography for staff/faculty visits, etc; and 3) scheduling important events and meetings for team members with faculty, leaders, donors and leadership volunteers.

·         The Project Manager will manage and triage workflow; assure quality and timeliness of work; ensure productive communications across the staff they are supporting.   The goal is to support front-line staff so that they are spending optimal time setting major gift strategies, calling on or interacting directly with prospects, or building faculty relationships which will meet needs and grow grateful patient pipelines.

·         He/she must have capacity to help meet fundraising goals.   Creativity, flexibility and innovation are vital.  The professional should demonstrate high integrity and trust and must be comfortable as a role model for support staff.  The ability to adapt to rapidly changing environments is essential.  

·         The professional should have solid communications skills, verbal and written, and should be open, achievement-oriented and confident.  He/she should have a collegial, collaborative style, motivating his/her team and staff to focus on results.   At least 3 years of similar Project Manager experience are preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1.      Lead an important support function for the major gift effort, promoting a culture of excellence, collaboration and professional growth.

·         (a) Participate and contribute in a work environment that encourages new ideas, risk-taking, team-based efforts within and beyond Stanford Medicine, celebrating current achievements and meeting philanthropic goals.

·         (b) Ensure quality and timely product which educate and brief staff, lay leaders, faculty, the Dean and Hospital CEO, optimize the efforts of the major gifts team and result in measurable increases in major gifts.  

·         (c) Assist in Achieving fundraising goals set with the Dean, CEO and University leadership.

2.      Personal characteristics and professional experience desired in the Project Manager:

·         Appreciation for the history, achievements and future direction of Stanford Medicine and Stanford University, and the ability to effectively articulate that vision to a diverse audience.

·         Passion and energy for contributing to the growth of Stanford Medicine in a rapidly changing environment; the ability to interact effectively with a broad range of constituents, providing strong support, inspiring faculty, donors, lay leaders and others to take action, and ensuring a rewarding experience. 

·         Excellent listening skills; trustworthy; broad general interests;

·         Genuine in relationships, authentic;

·         Skilled communicator in person and in writing;

·         Ability to work well with staff members regardless of position in any office hierarchy; and willingness to share credit;

·         Ability to keep a sense of urgency in gift briefings and preparations;

·         Good balance between patience and persistence;

·         Ability to meet competing deadlines and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

·         Bachelor’s degree is required.