Strategic Initiatives Manager (Advancement & Exec Support)

University of Southern California; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 100,368; Full time

Job summary

University of Southern California (USC) seeks a Manager of Strategic Initiatives (Program Administrator) to join Dornsife Advancement. The role combines executive partnerships with project leadership, coordinating high‑priority initiatives, donor materials, and cross‑departmental collaborations to advance philanthropy.

You will report to the Vice Dean and CDO, help prepare briefing materials, and contribute to upcoming university-wide campaigns.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree; advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in executive support, project management, communications, or marketing.
• Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills; demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and priorities.
• Discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment in handling confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the CDO's trusted partner and first point of contact—managing calendars, meetings, travel, expenses, and follow‑up actions with accuracy.
• Prepare and organize briefing materials, agendas, and presentation decks for donor, Dean, and campus meetings.
• Draft, edit, and proofread executive communications, donor correspondence, and leadership reports.
• Lead cross‑departmental projects and track progress toward Advancement's strategic goals.
• Collaborate with BI, Stewardship & Operations, Events, and other teams to ensure seamless donor briefings and events.

Skills

Executive support

Project management

Communications

Marketing

Writing

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

CRM systems

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Salesforce

Asana

Advance

Microsoft Office

Job description

University of Southern California (USC) seeks a Manager of Strategic Initiatives (Program Administrator) to join Dornsife Advancement. The role combines executive partnerships with project leadership, coordinating high‑priority initiatives, donor materials, and cross‑departmental collaborations to advance philanthropy.

You will report to the Vice Dean and CDO, help prepare briefing materials, and contribute to upcoming university-wide campaigns.