Director, Black Alumni Association

Director, Black Alumni Association (BAA)

The USC Alumni Association is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven leader to serve as Director of the Black Alumni Association (BAA). Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Affinity Engagement, the Director will guide the vision and daily operations of the BAA, a vital organization that advances scholarship, mentorship, and engagement opportunities for the Trojan family.

This role leads fundraising efforts to support current-use scholarships and grow the BAA’s $6 million endowment; oversees the BAA Advisory Council; and manages selected full-time staff who coordinate BAA programs and events. The Director will serve as a primary ambassador for the BAA, cultivating relationships between alumni, university partners, and the broader USC community.

The ideal candidate is a skilled communicator and community-minded leader who brings a strong background in engagement and fundraising. A thoughtful collaborator and attuned listener, they are adept at navigating priorities across a wide range of stakeholders. This is a meaningful opportunity to shape and expand the impact of a proud and storied alumni community—while helping to foster a culture of connection, generosity, and lifelong Trojan support.

This is a hybrid-fixed position under our current work arrangement plan, with the expectation of an on-site presence for 3 days/week on the University Park Campus. Late nights, weekends, and travel are required for this position.

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

Strategic Program Development (40%)

• Create long-term strategic plans and annual operating plans that support the achievement of the outcomes and metrics outlined and established in partnership with the AVP, Affinity Engagement and Board.

• Oversee the day-to-day management and strategic direction and development of USC’s Black Alumni Association and other groups as assigned.

• Create, manage, and maintain an active calendar of events which effectively engage the Black alumni community. Facilitate “next best action” for the constituents who engage with the affinity program to ensure depth of engagement.

• Oversee annual engagement and fundraising events including the annual BAA Pinning Ceremony, Homecoming Legends Tailgate, Leadership Summit, and the signature spring scholarship benefit.

• Oversee the professional development and day-to-day management of full-time staff members.

• Manage BAA’s fiscal year operating budget and event budgets.

• Represent USC Black Alumni Association and the USC Alumni Association at professional meetings and seminars for professional development.

• Work closely with campus partners in Student Affairs, Enrollment Services, Admissions, Financial Aid, and others to increase student engagement and promote the mission of the BAA.

• Represent USC on committees to maintain current relationships and establish new connections to the Black community of southern California and across the country.

Volunteer Engagement (30%)

• Manage volunteer leaders including USC Black Alumni Council and other committees such as Young Alumni Council.

• Develop and maintain relationships with key volunteer leadership, support the Board of Governors committees, and identify opportunities to grow the USCAA volunteer and engagement pipeline.

• Leverage USC Alumni Association and University signature programs to spotlight USC Black Alumni Association and identify and engage potential USC BAA volunteers, supporters and donors.

Fundraising & Donor Relations (30%)

• Identify, cultivate, and solicit donor support for the BAA scholarship program that raises approximately $250,000 annually and has awarded $5 million to 4,000 students since its founding in 1976.

• Steward current partnerships with foundations, corporations, and community organizations and seek new opportunities for collaboration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.

• Minimum of 3 – 5 years of professional experience in alumni engagement and program management, or related function/field with progressive management and leadership responsibilities.

• Possess a strong track record of working with teams to envision and execute strategic initiatives that will increase engagement and philanthropic support.

• Experience with volunteer management including board engagement and volunteer recruitment.

• Track record in individual and institutional fundraising.

• Lived experience across different identities or communities.

• Late nights, weekends, and travel are required for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree

• 5 – 7 years of professional experience in alumni engagement and program management, or related function/field with progressive management and leadership responsibilities.

• Familiarity with/in higher education, or other multifaceted and complex institutions.

• Advanced knowledge of current affairs and issues in higher education with ability to quickly and thoroughly understand the changing higher education landscape.

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 $120,000 - $140,000. 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, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 3 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related professional and supervisory experience in area of program specialization