Director of Development

The USC Thornton School of Music invites applications for a dynamic and experienced Development professional to lead its comprehensive fundraising efforts. In this pivotal leadership role, you will collaborate closely with the Dean to craft and execute fundraising strategies that align with the school’s ambitious vision. Direct a comprehensive fundraising campaign, and forge partnerships with individuals, corporations, and foundations to support transformative initiatives. This position reports to the Dean and oversees all advancement-related initiatives.

This high-profile position calls for an entrepreneurial thinker and skilled communicator who can effectively build relationships, manage complex operations, and navigate the intersection of academia and philanthropy. Your leadership will shape donor engagement and champion the Thornton School of Music’s mission to elevate the transformative power of music and education. The ideal candidate brings a portfolio of fundraising success at all levels of donor cultivation, from annual funds to major gifts, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and succeeds through collaboration, attention to detail, high-quality communication, and a commitment to excellence for self and others.

Domestic travel, evening, and weekend events will be required from time to time. Candidates must reside within commuting distance of the USC University Park Campus.

University of Southern California

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the "Trojan Family," which comprises the faculty, students, and staff that make the university a prime place to learn, grow, and succeed.

The Thornton School Advancement team is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture in which 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. 

USC Thornton School of Music

Founded in 1884, the Thornton School of Music prepares students for successful careers in the 21st century. Our mission is defined by the pursuit of musical excellence, collaboration, and support. USC Thornton blends the rigors of traditional conservatory-style education with the intellectual ambition of a leading research university where students thrive as artists, performers, educators, and professionals while taking classes in other schools at USC. They often add a double major or a minor and learn from esteemed faculty and students beyond the musical classroom and across the university. We are unique among our peers in the sheer diversity of music that is taught here—from early music to popular music, orchestral performance, screen scoring, jazz, composition, music industry, and more—all at the highest levels.

Responsibilities

• Directs the development and implementation of Thornton’s fundraising goals and activities. Plans and implements specific or multiple fundraising programs (e.g. major gifts, annual giving, corporate or foundation relations). Ensures fundraising efforts are following university policies, goals and procedures.
• Collaborates with dean, faculty and staff to establish school or department fundraising goals. Develops, implements, monitors and assesses strategies to achieve goals.
• Develops and manages donor relations and prospect management systems, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Identifies, cultivates and solicits major prospects and develops strategic plans for cultivating participation.
• Develops, prepares and presents formal fundraising proposals to major donors and prospects.
• Develops and manages school or department fiscal year operating budget. Authorizes expenditures. Provides financial status reports and projections.
• Provides strategic direction for volunteer and support staff recruitment efforts.
• Manages senior volunteer groups (e.g., Board of Councilors) and major fundraising efforts or events.
• Participates in professional meetings and conferences and/or contributes to journals or publications to maintain professional contacts and visibility for program(s).
• Promotes an environment that fosters inclusive relationships and creates unbiased opportunities for contributions through ideas, words, and actions that uphold principles of the USC Code of Ethics.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree; Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.

Seven (7) years of major campaign, fundraising, and/or senior volunteer group management experience. Experience in developing, and maintaining meaningful relationships with a wide variety of internal/external stakeholders.

Three (3) years of management experience. Ability to self-manage, prioritize work assignments, and manage multiple deadlines. Experience maintaining and interpreting large datasets and database systems.

Excellent planning, organizational and interpersonal skills. Detail-oriented with excellent written and oral communication skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree

7 - 12 years of experience, including a track record of success in cultivating and closing major gifts.

 Required Documents and Additional Information

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

Compensation Range

The budgeted salary range for this position is $170,000 – 200,000.

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 equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations. 

USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for employees and their families with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions once you meet the Program's eligibility; tuition benefits for employees and their family’s; access to professional development opportunities; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses, and free tram pick up services; discounts to a wide variety of cultural, sporting, and other campus events.

The University of Southern California values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in employment.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Addtional Education Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 7 years Minimum Skills: Major campaign, fundraising, and/or senior volunteer group management experience. Preferred Education: Master's degree Preferred Experience: 10 years