Vice President for Alumni Affairs, Stanford University & President of the Stanford Alumni Association
Stanford University
About this position
Position Description
THE SEARCH At the intersection of Stanford's past, present, and future lies one of the university's most consequential leadership opportunities: the Vice President for Alumni Affairs (VP) and President of the Stanford Alumni Association (SAA). This is a visionary role that reimagines and shapes how one of the world's most renowned institutions of higher learning connects with its nearly 250,000 alumni who form a global network of influence, innovation, and impact. Reporting directly to President Jonathan Levin ’94 and serving as a member of his senior staff and cabinet, the VP/SAA President leads one of higher education's largest and most influential alumni organizations. The SAA uniquely operates as a university division with a distinct mandate to serve as both bridge and conduit between Stanford and its alumni community. In this capacity, the VP/SAA President works closely with the SAA Board of Directors, which provides strategic guidance on alumni programs and serves as the principal representative body connecting alumni to the university's Board of Trustees. This role requires a seasoned general manager capable of leading a large, complex, and high-impact organization with responsibility for personnel, business development, budgets, systems, and performance. The successful candidate must demonstrate the operational rigor required to lead a division of this scope, including setting vision and direction, ensuring organizational effectiveness, and navigating a broad range of functional complexities from long-term strategy to the day-to-day demands of a dynamic organization. Equally important, this leader must bring a demonstrated capacity to lead through change—guiding the SAA through evolution with clarity, purpose, and an ability to bring others along. Stanford seeks a forward-thinking leader to guide alumni engagement into its next chapter of excellence. This is not a role defined by continuity alone but rather presents a compelling opportunity to build on a strong foundation while reimagining how the university connects with, serves, and activates its alumni in an ever-evolving landscape. The next leader will assess and refine longstanding structures and practices, including opportunities for further integration across the university and the more intentional deployment of shared services to continuously enhance effectiveness and promote alignment, particularly with the Office of External Relations. The role requires a leader who is energized by complexity and ambiguity and who thrives in environments where change is both necessary and expected. This work will include leveraging data, technology, and emerging capabilities—including artificial intelligence—to better understand, segment, and engage Stanford's diverse global alumni community, while ensuring that programs and experiences remain relevant, personal, and resonant across generations. The VP/SAA President serves as a principal university ambassador, responsible for authentically, clearly, and thoughtfully representing Stanford to its alumni. This individual will maintain a deep and current understanding of the university's priorities and challenges and will translate complex institutional issues into thoughtful, audience-appropriate engagement. Equally important, they will foster a strong and trusted channel for the exchange of perspectives, ensuring that alumni viewpoints across generations are conveyed to university leadership with credibility and insight. The role requires a proficient communicator comfortable with extemporaneous engagement who can convey both confidence and approachability while building trust through transparency and genuine connection. As a member of the President's senior staff and cabinet, the VP/SAA President will also serve as a trusted advisor on matters that extend beyond, yet materially impact, alumni affairs. This individual must be prepared to engage in substantive and wide-ranging institutional deliberations and to contribute thoughtfully, candidly, and with sound judgment. In this capacity, the role calls for intellectual curiosity and the confidence to speak with clarity and honesty, including when offering difficult or dissenting perspectives. At the same time, the successful candidate will demonstrate a deep commitment to and adoration for Stanford and an ability to represent and advance the university's interests with credibility and conviction. Stanford seeks an exceptional and multifaceted leader who brings a rare combination of operational excellence, strategic acuity, and interpersonal effectiveness. The successful candidate will be a proven organizational leader with experience managing complex teams and functions; an outstanding communicator with a compelling public presence; and a highly relational individual who builds trust readily and cultivates meaningful, lasting connections. A change agent, the next leader will also embrace bold thinking and inspire others to pursue a shared vision for the future. They will demonstrate strong analytical instincts with the ability to balance long-term strategy with near-term execution. This individual will bring tireless enthusiasm, optimism, resilience, and stamina to the role, along with a sense of humor and perspective—approaching the work with both seriousness of purpose and humility. A deep connection to Stanford University, ideally in the form of an undergraduate and/or graduate degree from the institution, is preferred. The successful candidate will bring deep respect for Stanford's unique traditions and a clear vision to discover its future, embracing the distinctive spirit of the SAA while working collaboratively across the university to cultivate and mobilize alumni as engaged ambassadors. Above all, Stanford seeks a leader who is motivated by the scale of the opportunity and inspired to expand the impact of and possibilities for alumni engagement. KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY Strategic Vision and Innovation Develop and execute a multi-year strategy that aligns alumni engagement with Stanford’s broader academic and fundraising goals. Develop and direct SAA’s strategic approach to alumni relations by overseeing programs, services, marketing, communications, and revenue generation, ensuring that resources are effectively aligned with organizational goals to advance Stanford and SAA’s mission. Establish and manage performance targets and financial goals for alumni programs and services, analyzing outcomes to ensure effectiveness, promote continuous improvement, and allocate resources efficiently in alignment with agreed-upon objectives and the annual operating budget. Alumni Voice and University Advocacy Represent Stanford to its global alumni community of nearly 250,000, sharing the university’s vision, priorities, and achievements, while fostering engagement and lifelong connections through outreach such as direct interactions, presentations, town halls, tours, educational programming, and correspondence. Elevate the voice of alumni within the university, ensuring their perspectives help inform institutional strategies and decisions. Strengthen alumni engagement and loyalty through impactful programs and services that connect alumni to one another and to Stanford and provide goodwill and support. Strategically mobilize alumni as global ambassadors and institutional partners, leveraging their expertise and influence to drive measurable support for Stanford’s mission. Represent Stanford and SAA to external constituencies and partners, actively strengthening the university’s reputation and visibility by cultivating productive relationships that advance institutional goals. University Leadership and Collaboration Actively contribute to senior university management discussions; advise university leadership on alumni affairs and engagement strategies. Ensure that timely, accurate, and relevant information is provided to Stanford’s President and the SAA Board of Directors to support informed decision-making. Collaborate across the Office of External Relations – including Development, Government Relations, University Communications, and Community Engagement – as well as with alumni relations development in the schools and academic units, to ensure alignment and coordination. Integrate alumni engagement priorities into broader institutional planning, supporting Stanford’s long-term vision and impact. Dynamic Leadership and Team Development Inspire, mentor, and develop a diverse team, instilling a shared vision for innovation and excellence in alumni engagement while fostering a commitment to inclusion and belonging within the SAA staff. Encourage a culture of creativity and experimentation, empowering team members to explore new ideas and approaches in their work. QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS A proven track record as a senior leader of skilled professionals in multiple business functions/disciplines (such as finance, financial reporting, marketing, contracts, operations, HR, legal, data/information management, nonprofit laws, sales, communications, affinity programs, and public relations). A deep sense of vocation for the role, coupled with strong affinity for Stanford’s distinctive culture of excellence, curiosity, and irreverent optimism. Prior Stanford affiliation, ideally in the form of an undergraduate and/or graduate degree, strongly preferred. Successful experience liaising with boards and volunteers, overseeing board relations, and delivering presentations. Experience in initiating and successfully assessing, solving, implementing, structuring, and managing business processes, preferably in a decentralized environment, including coordination with many constituents. Demonstrated strategic leadership, planning, and change management skills with sound judgment and managerial courage. Ability to represent the university professionally, both internally and externally. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to prepare clear and concise reports and deliver formal presentations to senior management and other audiences. Exceptional interpersonal, negotiation, diplomacy, and political acumen skills. Successful track record of establishing credibility and trust with diverse groups, including senior leaders. Demonstrated experience engaging and motivating groups of diverse individuals. Ability to juggle a vast quantity of incoming information, interruptions, and inquiries with a high level of professionalism and tolerance for ambiguity. Expert analytical and problem-solving skills. Strong project/program management skills with demonstrated effectiveness in data analysis, critical thinking, creative problem solving, consulting, facilitation, negotiating, influencing, people leadership, and strategic decision-making skills. Availability to work long hours, including evenings and weekends, and willingness to travel as needed to engage with alumni and represent Stanford at various events and initiatives. Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience leading and overseeing senior team leaders. Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in business or a related field is preferred. Physical Requirements Frequently stand/walk, sit, use a computer, use a telephone, and grasp lightly/fine manipulation. Occasionally twist/bend/stoop/squat, reach/work above shoulders, grasp forcefully, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 20 pounds, write by hand, sort/file paperwork. Rarely kneel/crawl. *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. Working Conditions Occasional work on evenings and weekends. 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. COMPENSATION AND LOCATION The expected annual pay range for this position is $600,000 - $725,000. 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. 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: 1954 Employee Status: Regular Grade: N99 Requisition ID: 108811 Work Arrangement : On Site
Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS A proven track record as a senior leader of skilled professionals in multiple business functions/disciplines (such as finance, financial reporting, marketing, contracts, operations, HR, legal, data/information management, nonprofit laws, sales, communications, affinity programs, and public relations). A deep sense of vocation for the role, coupled with strong affinity for Stanford’s distinctive culture of excellence, curiosity, and irreverent optimism. Prior Stanford affiliation, ideally in the form of an undergraduate and/or graduate degree, strongly preferred. Successful experience liaising with boards and volunteers, overseeing board relations, and delivering presentations. Experience in initiating and successfully assessing, solving, implementing, structuring, and managing business processes, preferably in a decentralized environment, including coordination with many constituents. Demonstrated strategic leadership, planning, and change management skills with sound judgment and managerial courage. Ability to represent the university professionally, both internally and externally. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to prepare clear and concise reports and deliver formal presentations to senior management and other audiences. Exceptional interpersonal, negotiation, diplomacy, and political acumen skills. Successful track record of establishing credibility and trust with diverse groups, including senior leaders. Demonstrated experience engaging and motivating groups of diverse individuals. Ability to juggle a vast quantity of incoming information, interruptions, and inquiries with a high level of professionalism and tolerance for ambiguity. Expert analytical and problem-solving skills. Strong project/program management skills with demonstrated effectiveness in data analysis, critical thinking, creative problem solving, consulting, facilitation, negotiating, influencing, people leadership, and strategic decision-making skills. Availability to work long hours, including evenings and weekends, and willingness to travel as needed to engage with alumni and represent Stanford at various events and initiatives. Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience leading and overseeing senior team leaders. Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in business or a related field is preferred. Physical Requirements Frequently stand/walk, sit, use a computer, use a telephone, and grasp lightly/fine manipulation. Occasionally twist/bend/stoop/squat, reach/work above shoulders, grasp forcefully, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 20 pounds, write by hand, sort/file paperwork. Rarely kneel/crawl. *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. Working Conditions Occasional work on evenings and weekends. 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. COMPENSATION AND LOCATION The expected annual pay range for this position is $600,000 - $725,000. 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. 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.
Job Location
🔍 Alumni Association, Stanford, California, United States