Director, Lambda Alumni Association

Director, Lambda Alumni Association

The USC Alumni Association is seeking a thoughtful, strategic, and community-focused Director, Lambda Alumni Association to lead a vital and impactful alumni community committed to connection, advocacy, and opportunity. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Affinity Engagement, the Director will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Lambda Alumni Association, including fundraising efforts to support current-use scholarships and expand the organization’s endowment; management of the Lambda Alumni Leadership Board; and supervision of key staff supporting scholarship, mentorship, and alumni engagement initiatives.

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative and mission-aligned leader, skilled communicator, and intentional relationship builder with a passion for community and belonging. With a strong background in engagement, fundraising, and program development, the Director will champion Lambda’s mission to connect LGBTQ+ alumni to the university and each other, promote education and visibility, and cultivate a supportive community for students and alumni alike.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a dynamic, purpose-driven affinity group, build on a proud legacy of LGBTQ+ advocacy at USC, and create meaningful impact for generations of Trojans.

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 Lambda Alumni Association, veterans programming, and other groups as assigned.

• Create, manage, and maintain an active calendar of events which effectively engage the Lambda alumni community, veterans programming and other groups as assigned.

• 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 signature events and the annual scholarship benefit.

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

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

• Represent USC Lambda 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 Lambda Alumni Association.

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

Volunteer Engagement (30%)

• Manage volunteer leaders including USC Lambda Alumni Board and other board/councils for each shared interest group in the portfolio.

• 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 Lambda Alumni Association, and also identify and engage potential volunteers, supporters and donors.

Fundraising & Donor Relations (30%)

• Identify, cultivate, and solicit donor support for the Lambda Scholarship program, which has awarded over $500,000 in scholarships to more than 150 students who, regardless of their gender or sexual identity, demonstrated academic achievement and a strong commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. 

• 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