Assistant Director of Annual Giving and Donor Relations

The Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR) is Stanford University's premier institute for the study of economic policy. For more than 40 years, SIEPR has advanced rigorous, nonpartisan research that informs evidence-based policy solutions, develops the next generation of scholars and leaders, and addresses some of the world's most pressing economic challenges.

SIEPR is committed to supporting research across a broad range of economic policy issues while convening leaders from academia, government, and business to foster informed dialogue and innovative solutions. The institute also inspires and prepares the next generation of economists and policy experts through research opportunities, mentorship, and academic engagement.

Through these efforts, SIEPR advances its vision of improving lives by making economic policy more effective, equitable, and informed.

To learn more about our work, please visit our website: Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR) .

SIEPR is seeking an Assistant Director of Annual Giving and Donor Relations to lead and execute the institute's annual giving and donor relations program. Reporting to the Senior Director of Development and Strategic Initiatives, this position will manage the full annual donor lifecycle—from gift processing and acknowledgment through donor engagement, stewardship, and annual solicitations.

The incumbent will develop and implement annual fundraising and donor strategies, execute SIEPR’s annual giving campaigns including Stanford Day of Giving and annual appeals, manage donor communications and recognition, and leverage donor data to identify renewals, upgrades, and prospects with major gift potential.

Working collaboratively with SIEPR leadership, faculty, communications, events and Stanford University Development, this position will create meaningful donor experiences that deepen engagement with the institute's research and mission. The Assistant Director of Annual Giving and Donor Relations will independently manage SIEPR’s annual giving operations, donor segmentation, reporting, and performance metrics while recommending strategies to increase donor participation, retention, and philanthropic support.

This role plays a critical part in strengthening SIEPR's fundraising infrastructure and building a sustainable pipeline of future major gift donors through exceptional stewardship and relationship management.

The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic, hard-working environment and enjoy being part of a highly collaborative team. They are resourceful, proactive, and able to work independently with minimal supervision while managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines. They possess exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong project management and organizational abilities, and meticulous attention to detail.

The successful candidate is skilled at gathering, analyzing, synthesizing, and presenting information from multiple sources to inform fundraising strategies and donor engagement. They exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in working with donors, faculty, and university leadership, and are committed to building meaningful donor relationships and creating thoughtful, personalized engagement experiences that advance SIEPR's mission.

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• Must possess and maintain a valid California non-commercial Class C Driver's License.

• When conducting university business, must comply with the California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements.

• Based on fundraising analysis, develop strategies for development activities, solicitation assignments, and progress. Monitor, analyze, and report on overall results to internal and external constituencies.

• Steward and manage established relationships to maximize engagement, renew annual giving, and present new opportunities; cultivate and solicit gifts to the university.

• Stay informed on current university initiatives and activities.

• Implement and manage programs to involve targeted populations in fundraising and volunteer activities.

• Design, craft, and manage language for the annual giving appeals, and ensure the project is completed.

• Design and manage appeals (e.g., direct mail, email, video, phone, and other channels) to target key populations to maximize fundraising potential.

• Work with a portfolio of assigned prospects to cultivate, solicit, and steward their support.

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

• Work with staff, donors, volunteers, and other university staff to assist in establishing and maintaining relationships with all university constituencies.

• Prioritize prospects, prepare background information, make volunteer assignments as appropriate, and follow up with volunteers to ensure completion of assigned solicitations.

• Work closely with other colleagues in development to align program goals with the overall giving goals of the university’s development organization.

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

• 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.

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