Careers

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is in the heart of downtown Los Angeles and is the largest private employer in the city of Los Angeles.  As an employee of USC, you will be part of a world-class research university and a member of the “Trojan Family,” which is comprised of the faculty, students and staff that makes the university what it is.  In 2011, the university opened its first office in San Francisco.  This office is responsible for creating a visible presence for USC in Northern California and establishing philanthropic support for the university’s strategic goals and objectives.

USC University Advancement division is seeking Director of Development, Major Gifts to join its San Francisco Regional Office of Advancement. Reporting to the Executive Director, the incumbent will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies for securing philanthropic support from a portfolio of approximately 125 major and principal gift prospects in Northern California or greater Bay Area.   Candidate will work towards both monthly and annual metrics of performance including annual philanthropic targets.  The incumbent will work and live in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The ideal candidate must have the ability to build productive relationships with a variety of constituents, including alumni, parents, and friends of the university. Demonstrated experience cultivating and soliciting major and principal gifts is essential, and campaign experience is highly desirable.  
 

The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and exhibit a commitment to collaborative fundraising.  S/he will possess excellent communications skills and demonstrate highly advanced organizational skills to maintain a broad spectrum of relationships. S/he must have excellent writing skills and demonstrated experience developing giving menus, proposals and other forms of written donor communication.
 

USC values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in employment. USC University Advancement is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture in which all advancement staff and our stakeholders can connect, belong, and grow while supporting the USC’s mission, values, and goals.
 

Job Accountabilities: 

• Develop and implement strategies for securing financial support from a portfolio of major donor prospects, approximately 125, who are alumni, parents and friends of USC.  Candidate will participate in the development of fundraising goals, policies and short- and long-term strategies. Assesses, analyzes and evaluates fundraising programs and/or specialized projects.
   

• Identifies, cultivate and solicits major prospects. Writes proposals for presentation to major individual prospects, and from time to time, foundations and corporations. Participates in development and management of donor relations and prospect management systems, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
   

• Ensure cultivation events and activities are planned and implemented efficiently. Provide leadership to volunteers and staff who assist in the identification, cultivation and solicitation of major prospects.
   

• Oversees research for the purpose of updating and expanding donor base. Analyzes and evaluates information to identify trends and patterns, evaluates strategies and makes recommendations. Researches data for proposal and prospect development. Prepares annual reports assessing progress toward achievement of goals.
   

• Develops and coordinates production of fundraising and marketing materials. Collaborates to ensure school or department goals are effectively represented to public.
   

• Promotes an environment that fosters inclusive relationships and creates unbiased opportunities for contributions through ideas, words, and actions that uphold principles of the USC Code of Ethics.
   

• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.
   

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.
 

USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff and their family with access to the renowned university medical network; retirement plans when you meet the Program’s eligibility period; tuition benefits for staff & their family; and free professional development online courses.
 

Domestic travel, evening and weekend events will be required from time to time.  Candidates must reside in the Bay Area and be commuting distance to the San Francisco Office.
 

The University of Southern California values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in employment

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Additional Education Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education

Minimum Experience: 5 years

Minimum Skills: Major campaign, fundraising, public relations and/or volunteer management experience.

Preferred Education: Master's degree

Preferred Experience: 7 years