Executive Director of Advancement

About the role

The Executive Director of Advancement will lead fundraising efforts and enhance philanthropic support for the USC School of Cinematic Arts (SCA). In this pivotal role, the Executive Director will oversee a team executing sophisticated fundraising plans aimed at identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors. As a key member of the Cinematic Arts Advancement Leadership team, the Executive Director will report to the Senior Associate Dean of Advancement and serve as an advisor in designing the fundraising infrastructure, including the School’s 100th Anniversary campaign. The role involves driving initiatives for major and principal gifts, particularly with SCA Alumni, and collaborating with stakeholders across the School and University to align strategies with its mission and priorities.

The Executive Director will manage daily activities of the alumni relations and annual giving programs, develop strategies for events and communications, oversee an alumni leadership council, personally cultivate and secure major gifts, and support the Offices of the Dean and Advancement. This high-profile position requires an entrepreneurial spirit, experience within the entertainment industry, strong relationship management skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and external constituencies.

Responsibilities

• Identifies, cultivates, manages, and solicits a portfolio of major gift prospects.
• Develops strategies for participation at all levels of the gift pyramid.
• Achieves fundraising goals and closes gifts of $1M+.
• Collaborates with the Dean, Chief Advancement Officer, and faculty to develop SCA’s fundraising goals, priorities, and short- and long-term strategies.
• Assesses, analyzes, and evaluates fundraising programs, projects, or major events; provides recommendations for modifications or adjustments.
• Drafts or edits major gift proposals, case statements, donor materials, and strategic marketing materials for fundraising initiatives.
• Coordinates with communications and faculty to produce written and audio-visual materials.
• Prepares development reports assessing progress toward goals and identifies trends and patterns.
• Attends prospect pipeline and strategy review sessions.
• Researches data for proposal development and stays current on school activities and constituent needs.
• Participates in developing the school’s fiscal year operating budget and manages program/event budgets.
• Provides direct supervision of team members, including Directors of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations.
• Oversees SCA events based on alumni relations and annual giving program needs.
• Performs other duties as assigned in support of SCA’s mission.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (combined experience/education may substitute).
• Minimum of 7 years of experience, including 5 years in management.
• Major campaign, fundraising, public relations, and/or volunteer management experience.
• Experience within and understanding of the entertainment industry.
• Valid driver’s license; weekend and evening work expected.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of senior fundraising experience with a track record of closing gifts of $1M+.
• Expertise in major campaign fundraising within the entertainment industry, preferably at a complex research university.
• Experience conceptualizing comprehensive institutional advancement strategies.
• Understanding of the USC School of Cinematic Arts Alumni Community.
• Strong relationship-building skills with donors, faculty, administrators, and cross-campus partners.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking and proposal writing/editing.
• Experience managing Alumni Relations and Annual Giving programs and events.
• Oversight and management of a volunteer board or council.
• Strategic and creative thinking to grow the School’s donor base.
• Ability to adapt, manage, and implement change in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database management for prospect documentation.
• Master’s degree.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $151,435 - $180,000. When extending an offer, the University considers factors such as scope and responsibilities, candidate experience, education, skills, internal equity, and external market conditions.