Major Gifts Advancement Lead (Assistant Director)

Engineering Management Student Association (EMSA); Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 102,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

USC Viterbi School of Engineering seeks an Assistant Director, Advancement - Major Gifts to manage donor portfolios and advance philanthropic priorities. The role focuses on qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gifts in the $100K-$250K range, with a hybrid work arrangement and travel as needed.

This position requires strong relationship-building, strategic planning, and collaboration with faculty and leadership to secure significant philanthropic support for the

Qualifications

• Experience in development and maintaining relationships with internal/external stakeholders.
• Ability to self-manage, prioritize deadlines and multi-task.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; Microsoft Office proficiency.
• Independent donor cultivation and portfolio management experience.
• Flexible with evening/weekend work for donor engagement.

Responsibilities

• Qualify prospects based on capacity and interests; manage a portfolio of ~100 prospects.
• Develop and implement tailored strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward donors.
• Conduct donor outreach and visits to advance relationships and secure commitments.
• Prepare fundraising proposals and donor briefings with the team.
• Identify donor interests and align with School priorities for philanthropic support.
• Serve as liaison to Annual and Alumni Giving for lead qualification and transfers.
• Assist with prospect research and qualification for various senior prospects.
• Coordinate Major Gifts regional activities, board engagement, and related initiatives.
• Coordinate with university partners on solicitations, gift planning, and stewardship.
• Maintain accurate prospect records, reports, forecasts, and next steps.
• Meet fundraising revenue, activity, and pipeline goals.

Skills

Relationship management

Stakeholder engagement

Project coordination

Proposal development

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Combined education/experience substitute

Job description

USC Viterbi School of Engineering seeks an Assistant Director, Advancement - Major Gifts to manage donor portfolios and advance philanthropic priorities. The role focuses on qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gifts in the $100K-$250K range, with a hybrid work arrangement and travel as needed.

This position requires strong relationship-building, strategic planning, and collaboration with faculty and leadership to secure significant philanthropic support for the