Director, USC Associates

Director, USC Associates

University Advancement is seeking a thoughtful, strategic, and relationship-driven Director, USC Associates to join our team. As USC’s premier giving society, the USC Associates brings together the university’s most dedicated alumni, parents, and friends to support students, faculty, and university-wide initiatives. Established in 1959, the Associates is a proud tradition of philanthropy and engagement that strengthens the Trojan Family.

The Director will play a key role in shaping the future of the program—leading the team and daily operations, overseeing membership strategy, events, and signature initiatives, while supporting a culture of excellence, belonging, and service. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position offers a unique opportunity to help advance USC’s mission through meaningful connections and high-impact programming.

This is a hybrid-fixed position under our current work arrangement plan, with the expectation of an on-site presence for 3 days/week in our downtown Los Angeles office (USC Tower).

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

• Drive Membership & Development: Manage the day-to-day team operations for the annual membership renewal and recruitment strategies to grow and strengthen the Associates community.

• Team Leadership: Supervise and support two full-time staff members, providing guidance, performance management, and professional development aligned with program goals.

• Oversee Signature Events: Plan and execute compelling events that reflect the values and vision of the USC Associates.

• Data-Driven Strategy: Design and implement reporting systems and engagement metrics to assess program effectiveness and inform strategic planning and decision-making.

• Manage Students: Hire, train, and lead a team of student workers across key operational areas.

• Mentor Student Scholars: Manage the USC Associates Student Scholars Program and cultivate student success.

• Be a Trusted Communicator: Serve as the key liaison for development of communications and alumni relations.

• Build Alumni Relations: Represent USC Associates on the Alumni Relations Council, building stronger ties across programs and encouraging collaboration.

• Recognize and Steward Our Donors: Oversee recognition efforts including the USC Associates Member Wall in Associates Park.

• Perform other duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., nonprofit management, communications, business, or similar)

• Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.

• 3 years of experience in development, event planning, or program management.

• 3 – 5 years of supervisory experience in roles with progressively more responsibility.

• Strong organizational and project management skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree

• 4 – 5 years of experience in development, event planning, or program management.

• Experience managing student workers or volunteers

• Experience with fundraising CRMs (preferably Salesforce).

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 $104,394 - $122,440. 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