Development Project Manager

Development Project Manager

The University Advancement team is seeking a detail-oriented and highly professional Development Project Manager to support key initiatives that advance the university’s fundraising and engagement efforts. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Development, this high-level administrative role is ideal for someone who thrives behind the scenes, enjoys project-based work, and can manage sensitive information with discretion and accuracy.

In this position, you’ll lead and coordinate a range of strategic projects on behalf of the Associate Vice President, helping drive progress across Advancement priorities. You’ll help manage key initiatives, coordinate high-priority projects, and ensure the SVP’s vision is translated into progress across the division. You’ll work closely with colleagues across Advancement, including senior leadership, to streamline communication, prepare briefings and materials, and support the successful execution of strategic goals.

A successful candidate will have strong communication and organizational skills, a high degree of discretion, and experience working with fundraising data and executive-level correspondence. This is a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to USC’s mission by enabling the success of its ambitious philanthropic campaigns.

This is a hybrid position under our current work arrangement plan, with the expectation of an on-site presence for 3 days/week on the University Park Campus.

University Advancement is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all, where all advancement staff and our stakeholders have the opportunity to connect, belong, and grow while supporting the University of Southern California’s mission, values, and goals.

Responsibilities

Research, Data & Briefing Support (35%)

• Gather, organize, and analyze data from CRM systems to inform donor strategy, briefings, and executive decision-making.

• Prepare high-quality reports and presentations that surface insights and recommendations for senior leadership.

• Create processes to ensure the accuracy, accessibility, and consistency of advancement data across projects.

Project Management (20%)

• Lead and coordinate special projects on behalf of the Associate Vice President for Advancement, ensuring timely progress aligned with division goals.

• Support planning, design, and execution of strategic initiatives that span Advancement functions, including fundraising, alumni engagement, and donor relations.

• Collaborate with internal teams and campus partners to align project objectives and ensure consistent implementation.

Confidential Materials & Documentation (20%)

• Coordinate the development and distribution of sensitive documents, including donor communications, prospect briefings, and strategy memos.

• Maintain and manage confidential files and ensure all materials meet Advancement and university standards for data security.

• Partner with appropriate offices to ensure seamless handling and review of high-level submissions and documentation.

Administrative Support (15%)

• Provide direct administrative support to the Senior Vice President for Advancement and Associate Vice President, including calendar management, meeting coordination, and logistical planning.

• Arrange and manage travel itineraries, process expense reimbursements, and ensure timely submission of financial documentation.

• Support general administrative tasks and office operations to ensure smooth day-to-day function of the leadership team.

Stakeholder Communication and Reporting (10%)

• Serve as a key liaison and resource on Advancement priorities, working cross-functionally and in coordination with the schools/college Advancement offices to move projects forward.

• Maintain and enhance systems and workflows to support project tracking, reporting, and knowledge management.

• Produce regular updates on project milestones, timelines, and deliverables.

• Create tools and resources to support ongoing operational efficiency and transparency.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.

• Minimum of five years of professional experience in supporting executive-level leaders or managing strategic projects, preferably in a higher education or advancement setting

• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to prepare clear and concise reports and deliver formal presentations to senior management and other audiences.

• Ability to juggle a vast quantity of incoming information, interruptions, and inquiries with a high level of professionalism and tolerance for ambiguity.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Strong project/program management skills with demonstrated effectiveness in data analysis, critical thinking, creative problem solving.

• Discretion and professionalism in handling confidential and sensitive information.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with project management or workflow tools (e.g., Asana, Smartsheet).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with data and CRM systems, preferably Salesforce or a university-specific advancement database.

• Experience with donor and prospect strategy, briefing preparation, or advancement operations.

• Understanding of university advancement, fundraising strategy, and alumni engagement.

In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Values of integrity, excellence, community, well-being, open communication, and accountability.

Required Documents

Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.

Compensation and Benefits

The budgeted salary range for this position is $89,681 – $100,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

To support faculty and staff well-being, USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of benefits and perks to help protect their and their dependents’ health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of the overall compensation and total rewards package. You can learn more about USC’s comprehensive benefits here.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Minimum Experience: 5 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Administrative or project administration experience.