Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate

About the Role

The Philanthropy Officer will serve as the strategist for individual, major gift, and planned giving prospects, as well as institutional donors and prospects, including foundations and corporations. This position will play a key role in meeting the Foundation’s goals through direct fundraising and reports to the President of the Foundation.

The successful candidate will care deeply about healthcare and wellness, especially in a community hospital serving a diverse community, and will contribute to the Foundation’s next phase of growth through comprehensive fundraising.

Responsibilities

• Successfully grow and manage a major gift portfolio to meet assigned goals and objectives.
• Lead the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors and prospects for fundraising priorities.
• Work with leadership and colleagues to identify and qualify prospective donors, conduct discovery visits, and build a pipeline of potential support.
• Develop and implement gift strategies and solicitations; ensure accurate gift processing, manage individual stewardship plans, and create engagement opportunities.
• Collaborate with the donor relations team to create written reports, updates, and acknowledgment letters for donors and leadership.
• Facilitate physician referrals, manage progress reports, and provide regular updates.
• Initiate donor contact and develop meaningful development events to showcase opportunities for support.
• Track progress and results using Blackbaud and follow established policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree and college-level education; Master’s degree preferred or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of fundraising experience in higher education, with preference for candidates with development experience in healthcare, academic science, or higher education.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and strong problem-solving abilities.
• Proven relationship management skills, with experience working with faculty, executives, and community leaders.
• Comfort with receiving and applying feedback to improve performance.
• Demonstrated success in designing, implementing, and administering innovative fundraising programs.
• Adherence to USC and department policies, including confidentiality, workplace conduct, and compliance.

Pay

The annual salary range for this position is $110,000 – $140,000. Factors considered include scope and responsibilities, candidate experience, education/training, key skills, internal equity, and external market conditions.