Executive Director, Development: Major Gifts & Strategy

University of Southern California; Los Angeles, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 151,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Tuition benefits

Professional development support

Job summary

USC Marshall School of Business is seeking an Executive Director of Development to join its External Relations team. The role will oversee Corporate and Foundation Relations and Annual Giving, managing a portfolio of principal gift prospects and donors in Southern California with a focus on $1M+ gifts.

The position leads fundraising strategies, collaborates with academic leadership and faculty, and drives donor-centric engagement to secure transformative gifts and advance USC’s mission.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of experience in major gifts fundraising.
• Experience in a higher education environment preferred.
• Ability to solicit gifts of $1M+.
• Strong communication and relationship management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Corporate and Foundation Relations and Annual Giving and the directors in these areas to support fundraising success.
• Manage a portfolio of 50 principal gift prospects and donors within an assigned geographic region.
• Identify and cultivate potential principal gift donors to support USC Marshall through endowment and current use gifts.
• Develop donor-centered solicitation strategies for major gift prospects and plan long-range engagement strategies.
• Conduct face-to-face meetings and visits with donors and potential donors.
• Meet or exceed annual and monthly fundraising goals and successful gift closures.

Skills

Major gifts fundraising

Portfolio management

Donor relations

Alumni engagement

Education

Master’s degree

Job description

USC Marshall School of Business is seeking an Executive Director of Development to join its External Relations team. The role will oversee Corporate and Foundation Relations and Annual Giving, managing a portfolio of principal gift prospects and donors in Southern California with a focus on $1M+ gifts.

The position leads fundraising strategies, collaborates with academic leadership and faculty, and drives donor-centric engagement to secure transformative gifts and advance USC’s mission.