Executive Director of Development, Alumni Engagement & USC Associates

Executive Director of Development, Alumni Engagement & USC Associates

USC is seeking a proven fundraising leader and strategic relationship-builder to join the USC Alumni Association as Executive Director of Development, Alumni Engagement & USC Associates.

Reporting to the Associate Senior Vice President for Alumni Relations, the Executive Director will shape and lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy in support of the USC Alumni Association (USCAA) and USC Associates. This role will be responsible for crafting a compelling case for support and growing philanthropic investment in scholarships, operational priorities, and innovative alumni engagement opportunities.

The Executive Director will manage a robust portfolio of top prospects, including board members and loyal alumni, with an annual fundraising goal of $2M–$5M. They will also lead a high-performing team, oversee budgeting and resource allocation, and serve as a key partner in shaping the strategic direction of the USC Associates—an esteemed donor recognition and engagement society.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in major gifts fundraising, a track record of volunteer and board management, and a passion for higher education advancement. They are a collaborative leader with strong judgment, excellent communication skills, and the ability to inspire support for alumni-focused priorities.

This is an exciting opportunity to strengthen the culture of philanthropy among Trojans, steward generations of loyal alumni, and elevate two vital pillars of the USC alumni experience.

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

• Development, Leadership and Vision (35%)

  • Responsible for a comprehensive multi-year case for support and plan, strategy development, forecasting, and performance of our USCAA and USC Associates fundraising efforts.

  • Position USCAA and USC Associates as organizations with a strong commitment to and expectation of philanthropy and significantly increase fundraising for operations, scholarships, and other priorities.

  • Oversee the team’s budget and be fiscally responsible for dedicated resources allocated to the fundraising programs under your purview.

  • Effectively manage and supervise team members, communicating vision, expectations, and goals. In addition, provides opportunity for personal and profession growth through regular feedback, training, and leadership development.

  • Demonstrate mature judgement, impeccable integrity and excellent skills to establish an environment of confidentiality and handle sensitive matters in a discreet manner.

  • Represent the university and the alumni association professionally both internally and externally.

  • Perform other duties, as assigned.
    

• Fundraising (50%)

  • Manage a portfolio of 75 – 100 USCAA and USC Associates top prospects, including members of the USCAA Board of Governors and other boards.

  • Responsible for raising $2M – $5M annually in support of identified priorities.

  • USC Associates – create a comprehensive strategic plan for USC Associates that grows the membership and endowment through personal solicitation, strong annual renewals, and acquisition of new members through direct marketing campaigns, partnerships with development officers, and direct solicitation.

  • USC Reunions – develop a reunions fundraising program in alignment with the director, reunions and annual giving team. Personally solicit a portfolio of annual reunion prospects, and coordinate with school/unit development officers on prospects within their portfolios.  

  • Clearly articulate and generate support for the programs vision among donors and volunteers.
    

• Board Management (15%)

  • In partnership with the USC Associates team, manage the USC Associates board, including the planning and execution of their meetings and calendar of events.

  • Ensure that there is effective documentation and standard operating procedures, develop a stewardship program, and ensure that the board has clearly defined goals and are actively working towards enhancing Associates member experience and increasing student scholarships.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.

• Minimum of seven - ten years of professional experience in frontline fundraising and program development.

• Strong knowledge and experience with board and volunteer management.

• Demonstrated strategic leadership, planning, and change management skills with sound judgment and managerial courage.

• 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.

• Proficient analytical and problem-solving skills. Strong project/program management skills with demonstrated effectiveness in data analysis, critical thinking, creative problem solving, consulting, facilitation, negotiating, influencing, people leadership and strategic decision-making skills.

• Thorough knowledge of Advancement and of current/emerging marketing trends and best practices including digital strategies/technologies.

• Demonstrated ability to serve different audiences and to work to build consensus among team members; excellent skills to advise and consult management on all aspects of communications including dealing effectively with sensitive or complex issues of information.

• Proficiency with Salesforce and the Microsoft suite of applications as well as other applications, programs and databases; demonstrated experience with web and new media technology.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in fundraising and alumni engagement, program management, strategic planning, or related function/field.

• Master’s degree.

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

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.

The budgeted salary range for this position is $230,000 -- $240,000. 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 Additional 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