Senior Advancement Leader, Social Work School

University of Southern California; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work seeks a strategic Chief Development Officer to lead its comprehensive fundraising program and build a seven- to eight-figure philanthropic pipeline, aligning with the school’s priorities and mission.

Reporting to the Dean with a dotted-line to Health Sciences Advancement, the CDO will secure major gifts, develop a high-performing team, and position the school for future university-wide campaigns while advancing

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required with eight years in university advancement/development or equivalent.
• Proven success securing major, principal gifts and meeting fundraising goals.
• Experience leading broad development programs and teams.
• Strong communications, networking, relationship-management with diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of donor/development systems and best practices in philanthropy.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of comprehensive fundraising and stewardship strategies.
• Secure major, principal, and transformational gifts from diverse philanthropic partners.
• Partner with Dean and leadership to identify funding priorities and opportunities.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospective and current donors.
• Represent USC to donors, alumni, foundations, corporations, and community leaders.
• Translate research and programs into compelling cases for philanthropy.
• Plan donor visits, engagement opportunities, and special events.
• Collaborate on donor communications, materials, and impact stories.
• Recruit, mentor, and lead development staff; foster inclusive team culture.
• Oversee annual development budget and resource stewardship.

Skills

Major gifts

Principal gifts

Fundraising leadership

Donor engagement

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Salesforce

Raiser’s Edge NXT

DonorPerfect

eTapestry

Bloomerang

easyTithe

Job description

The University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work seeks a strategic Chief Development Officer to lead its comprehensive fundraising program and build a seven- to eight-figure philanthropic pipeline, aligning with the school’s priorities and mission.

Reporting to the Dean with a dotted-line to Health Sciences Advancement, the CDO will secure major gifts, develop a high-performing team, and position the school for future university-wide campaigns while advancing