Senior Director of Development & Major Gifts

University of Southern California; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 151,000 - 198,000; Full time

Job summary

Executive Director of Development is sought by USC Marshall School of Business to join the Office of External Relations. The role oversees Corporate and Foundation Relations and Annual Giving, managing a portfolio of 50 principal gift prospects and donors with a focus on $1M+ gifts.

The position reports to the Assistant Dean, External Relations and aims to raise upwards to $10M annually, leveraging academic leadership and a donor-centered solicitation approach.

Qualifications

• The candidate should have 7-10 years in principal and major gifts fundraising.
• Experience in corporate and foundation relations and annual giving is required.
• Ability to cultivate and close on major gifts with top prospects.
• Experience in higher education is preferred, especially in business schools.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Corporate and Foundation Relations and Annual Giving and the directors in these areas.
• Manage a portfolio of 50 principal gift prospects and donors within an assigned region.
• Identify and cultivate principal gift donors for endowment and current use gifts.
• Develop donor-centered solicitation strategies for major gifts.
• Plan multi-step engagement strategies and face-to-face meetings with donors.
• Meet or exceed annual and monthly goals for visits, solicitations, and gifts.
• Collaborate with academic leadership to steward donors and secure gifts.
• Maintain knowledge of planned giving opportunities and prospect cultivation.

Skills

Major gifts fundraising

Donor relations

Strategic fundraising planning

Team leadership

Travel willingness

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree

Job description

Executive Director of Development is sought by USC Marshall School of Business to join the Office of External Relations. The role oversees Corporate and Foundation Relations and Annual Giving, managing a portfolio of 50 principal gift prospects and donors with a focus on $1M+ gifts.

The position reports to the Assistant Dean, External Relations and aims to raise upwards to $10M annually, leveraging academic leadership and a donor-centered solicitation approach.