Senior Executive Director of Alumni Relations

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located 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 is comprised of the faculty, students and staff that make the university a great place to work.  

As a community of Dornsife College “we are committed to the creation, preservation, and communication of fundamental knowledge in all its forms…as well as a lifelong passion for learning and a commitment to the betterment of society.”  The academic mission of Dornsife College can only be realized to its fullest potential when we build and protect a representative, equitable, inclusive culture of scholarship for students, faculty, and staff.  This is not done through initiatives but by embedding these values into the everyday interactions, relationships, policies, and practices of the College.  What is required is a seamless integration of the tenets of equity and inclusivity into every facet of academic life.  If we want our scholars, staff, and students to be able to give their very best, we must create an academic environment that portends success.  

Success is possible when every member of the Dornsife community owns their role as a steward of the culture in which we learn, research, and work; when we believe that it is because of who we are that we are able to do what we do: achieve excellence, together. 

Achieving a robust and inclusive academic culture requires more than just the completion of a task, but includes that person’s capacity to contribute positively to the relationships and culture of their office or department.  Therefore, any applicant seeking to advance the mission of Dornsife College should also be assessed on their capacities beyond the technical elements of their work, and demonstrate an understanding of their impact on others, and to articulate how they contribute positively to those around them.

The USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is the university's oldest and largest school and often referred to as the academic heart of the University. Comprised of the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities, the collective power of USC Dornsife's faculty, students and alumni across a spectrum of disciplines uniquely positions us to offer comprehensive solutions to our global society's toughest challenges and improve quality of life for all. With over 80,000 living alumni worldwide, USC Dornsife alumni represent a diverse and dynamic community which is matched by a multi-faceted and growing alumni program. As a major priority, the Dornsife alumni relations program supports the overall advancement of USC Dornsife by engaging alumni, building a culture of philanthropy and fostering connections to the next generation of Trojans.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Vice Dean, the Senior Executive Director for Dornsife Alumni Relations will be responsible for leading the overall initiative to build long-term engagement with Dornsife alumni. This is a vital position as Dornsife Leadership continually evaluates its approach and its initiative to connect and engage over 80,000 living Dornsife alumni. Because Dornsife has invested in seeking to understand and execute new and creative ways to build strong relationships with our alumni, the Senior Executive Director will be responsible for strategically leading and steering the initiative. Additionally, the Senior Executive Director will work directly with the Vice Dean and the Leadership of Dornsife Advancement to increase engagement with both ethnically diverse alumni and alumni throughout the alumni life cycle.  The Senior Executive Director will collaborate with USC Alumni Association, and key constituencies within the College (faculty, career and academic advising, Dean’s cabinet, Center and Institute Directors). As a member of the Dornsife Advancement Leadership Team, the Senior Executive Director will also work with colleagues in other colleges and across the university to engage our alumni. In addition, the Senior Executive Director will work closely with affinity alumni groups and other alumni affinity organizations.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage overall alumni engagement strategy including virtual programming  (Dornsife Dialogues, career development webinars) , in-person engagement programming, and managing and engaging the Alumni Advisory Council.
• In collaboration with the Vice Dean and the Dornsife Advancement Leadership Team, develop a comprehensive strategic plan to engage Dornsife Alumni and all their diversity.
• Develop strategies for educating current students, most importantly graduating Dornsife Seniors on the importance of staying engaged as alumni.
• Leads the annual planning and execution of the alumni relations strategic plan.
• Leverage the excitement for and the heritage of USC football to engage Dornsife alumni.
• Manage and contribute to a strategic approach to communications for Dornsife Alumni to include all electronic communications, social media and the Dornsife Magazine in coordination with the Dornsife Communications Team. 
• Align and work with affinity groups to increase the diversity of engaged alumni.
• Learn and understand the ways the Dornsife alumni base wishes to engage and develop strategies and programming to meet those felt needs and wishes.
• Understand the desire for in-person versus virtual programming and plan accordingly.
• Work across campus with other academic units and USC Alumni Association to create alumni programming and engagement opportunities.  
• Create strategies to leverage existing technologies to increase the number of contactable Dornsife Alumni.
• Leverage the expertise and perspective of the Dornsife Alumni Advisory Council and other key alumni leaders to shape alumni programming and outreach.

Salary range: The annual base salary range for this position is $140,167.53 - $187,057.70. 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.

Required Documents and Additional Information:

• Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file).
• Job openings are posted for a minimum of (5) five business days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended, so please apply on the same business day if interested.
• USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff and their family with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions after six months of employment; tuition benefits for staff and their family; free Professional Development classes; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses and free tram pick up services; discounts to sporting and other campus events.

Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

The University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer that Values Diversity.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Addtional Education Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 7 years Addtional Experience Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum work experience Minimum Skills: Experience in development, maintaining meaningful relationships with a wide variety of internal/external stakeholders One year 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 Education: Master's degree Preferred Experience: 10 years Preferred Skills: Master's degree in business administration or a related field. Development experience in higher education. Experience in management/leadership roles. Volunteer experience in fundraising, campaign or non-profit environments. Experience with email marketing, website development/coding and Adobe Creative Suite. Extensive customer service experience. Fluent in one or more language in addition to English (e.g., Spanish).