Executive Director of Development

USC Marshall School of Business, part of the University of Southern California (USC), is located in downtown Los Angeles. As an employee, you will join a world-class research university and the “Trojan Family,” contributing to the mission of engaging alumni, parents, and friends through philanthropic support and volunteer service.

About the role

The Executive Director of Development is a newly created position within the Office of External Relations, overseeing Corporate and Foundation Relations, Annual Giving, and serving as a principal gift officer with an annual fundraising goal of up to $10M. This role reports to the Assistant Dean of External Relations and manages a portfolio of donors capable of gifts of at least $500,000, with a focus on $1M+ gifts.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Corporate and Foundation Relations and Annual Giving, supporting the directors in these areas to ensure fundraising success.
• Manage a portfolio of 50 principal gift prospects and donors within an assigned geographic region.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit potential principal gift donors for endowment and current-use gifts.
• Develop and execute donor-centered solicitation strategies based on prospects’ interests, including long-range, multi-step engagement plans.
• Plan and conduct face-to-face meetings with donors and potential donors.
• Meet or exceed annual and monthly goals for face-to-face visits, solicitations, gift closures, and dollars raised.
• Strategically leverage academic leadership (Dean, Senior Associate Dean, faculty, and other gift officers) in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Maintain knowledge of planned giving opportunities and apply this in prospect cultivation as appropriate.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in principal and major gifts fundraising, corporate and foundation relations, and annual giving.
• Experience in a higher education environment, preferably in a business or professional school.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate and close major gifts.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills with top prospects and key constituents.
• Strong active listening skills to uncover donor interests, motivations, and objections.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to manage multiple projects and handle complex situations with professionalism.
• High intellectual curiosity, creativity, and initiative.
• Team-oriented with a collaborative approach and willingness to mentor colleagues.
• Goal-driven and results-oriented.
• Willingness to travel frequently.
• Ability to work across disciplines and interact successfully with diverse constituencies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Passion for the transformative power of higher education and business schools.
• Knowledge of complex academic institutions and experience staffing academic leaders in development work is preferred.

Pay

The annual base salary range for this position is $151,435.99 - $198,266.85. USC considers factors such as scope, responsibilities, experience, education, skills, internal equity, and market conditions when extending an offer.

Benefits

• Health benefits for staff and their family, including access to the university’s renowned medical network.
• Eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions.
• Tuition benefits for staff and their family.
• Free professional development classes.
• Central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses, and free tram services.
• Discounts to sporting and other campus events.