Careers

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the "Trojan Family," which is comprised of the faculty, students and staff that make the university what it is.

USC University Advancement division is seeking a Director of Development to join its Central Major Gifts team. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Development the incumbent will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies for securing financial support from a portfolio of approximately 125 major gift prospects, including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gifts, primarily in Southern California, from alumni, parents and friends. 

Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage a portfolio of approximately 125 active major gift prospects who have the ability to make gifts of $100,000+.
• Director of Development work independently and also collaboratively with the Central Major Gifts team, and other USC schools and units, in creating and implementing strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and financial support.
• Identifies, qualifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards, major gift prospects. Develops strategies for cultivating support.
• Researches data for proposal development. Develops, prepares and presents formal fundraising proposals to major donors and prospects.
• Assume and achieve fundraising financial and activity goals set annually.
• Ensure compliance with all University fundraising policies, goals and procedures, including responsible for following all protocols for prospect and donor management established and implemented by USC Advancement.
• Represents the USC Advancement at professional and university meetings, seminars and conferences for professional development. 

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

Special instruction to applicant:

Attached cover letter and resume/CV required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experienced senior fundraising professional with a demonstrated track record of personally closing gifts of $100,000-$1M+.
• Expertise in major campaign fundraising, preferably at a complex research university.
• Excellent communication skills, including public speaking.
• The ability to build bridges and strong collaborative relationships across a complex organization with astuteness and agility.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• A valid driver’s license is required; with weekend and evening work expected.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s Degree; Master’s Degree preferred

7 years

Combined education/experience as substitute for minimum experience.

The annual base salary range for this position is $121,951 - $130,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Logo

About University of Southern California (USC)

USC is the leading private research university in Los Angeles—a global center for arts, technology and international business. With more than 47,500 students, we are located primarily in Los Angeles but also in various US and global satellite locations. As the largest private employer in Los Angeles, responsible for $8 billion annually in economic activity in the region, we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse environment, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills across a variety of academic and professional schools and administrative units. As a USC employee and member of the Trojan Family—the faculty, staff, students, and alumni who make USC a great place to work—you will enjoy excellent benefits, including a variety of well-being programs designed to help individuals achieve work-life balance.

Connections working at University of Southern California (USC)