Assistant Director, Advancement Operations

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The USC School of Cinematic Arts Assistant Director, Advancement Operations will oversee a variety of support elements to ensure that the Office of Advancement operates efficiently and on budget. The position will manage a series of interconnected logistical functions and activities that are critical to the School’s success, particularly as it approaches its 100th Anniversary celebrations and other milestones. The ideal candidate for this position will be able to multi-task and maintain a strong business mindset while also solving problems creatively. The essential components of this position include gift tracking and processing; arranging donor gatherings and visits; preparing key reports for board meetings and other campaign needs; and generally supporting the Offices of the Dean and Advancement. The position will report to the Senior Associate Dean of Advancement and will be a partner in developing new processes to create a well-organized and harmonious office environment. Applicants should be able to demonstrate a history of success in their prior field/position, including an ability to collaborate effectively and flexibly with different constituencies; a sense of prioritization with the ability to easily pivot; and an understanding of how to design and implement innovative administrative programs that are shared across multiple departments and staff members. Experience in and understanding of the entertainment industry as well as philanthropy for higher education are preferred qualities. Experience with primary USC platforms such as Workday, Salesforce, and Concur are also preferred.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree
Combined experience/education as a substitute for minimum education
3 years experience in a professional finance environment
Demonstrated experience managing complex departmental financial processes, budgets and records.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Strong organizational instincts and attention to detail and deadlines.

Nice To Haves

5 years experience in a professional finance environment.
Excellent interpersonal skills and proven success in cross-functional collaboration.
Knowledge of human resources, purchasing, and procurement processes.
Experience within and an understanding of the entertainment industry as well as philanthropy for higher education.
Solid relationship-building skills with an ability to interface and collaborate with donors, leading faculty, administrators, board members, trustees, and cross-campus partners.
Handling logistics of a volunteer board or council
Coordinating key constituent gatherings and visits
Demonstrated ability to adapt, manage and implement change; and flexibility to thrive in a fast-paced, complex environment.
Demonstrated technical proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and skill in managing databases as well as using shared, protected platforms to create and maintain reports and documents.
Development research experience in higher education.
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 skill.
Proficient in Microsoft Office.
Donor prospect research experience in higher education.
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).

Responsibilities

Managing logistics and preparing reports for regular board meetings
Generating and communicating with donors and their offices for Gift Pledge Reminders
Tracking and processing all SCA gifts
Serving as primary SCA Advancement liaison with SCA business and operations offices and USC Central Gift Services and Advancement offices
Scheduling and handling logistics for donor/prospect guest meetings & visits
Organizing donor gift agreements
Managing donor acknowledgement plaques and recognition
General oversight of Advancement Student Workers
Ordering and maintaining Advancement office supplies and merchandise
Handling ongoing projects such as SCA alumni posters acquisition and display
Managing logistics for regular constituent activities, such as USC Football
Analyzing and reconciling Advancement budget
Tracking proposals and gifts for SCA Campaigns
Participating in the development and management of department fiscal year operating budgets
Performing other duties as assigned in support of SCA’s mission.