Chief Development Officer

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

1d • $200,000 - $250,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Southern California seeks an accomplished advancement leader to serve as Chief Development Officer (CDO) for the USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Reporting to the Dean of the Mann School, with a dotted-line relationship to the Vice President, Health Sciences Advancement, the CDO serves as the school’s senior fundraising executive and leads all aspects of its comprehensive development program. The CDO is responsible for planning, organizing, developing, implementing, and executing short- and long-term strategies to secure major, principal, and transformational gifts from individuals, foundations, corporations, and other philanthropic partners. Working closely with the Dean, faculty, staff, volunteers, and university leadership, the CDO advances the school’s strategic priorities through philanthropy. The position oversees fundraising strategy, donor engagement, stewardship, volunteer management, development operations, and staff leadership while serving as a key ambassador for the Mann School and USC. The Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences offers a unique opportunity to advance one of the nation's leading pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacy programs. In addition to its nationally recognized education and research programs, the Mann School operates pharmacies on USC’s University Park Campus and Health Sciences Campus, as well as the USC Pharmacy in South Los Angeles, extending its impact through direct patient care and community engagement. Working closely with world-renowned faculty, researchers, and university leadership, the Chief Development Officer will help secure philanthropic support for groundbreaking research, therapeutic innovation, translational medicine, student success, and initiatives that improve health outcomes for patients and communities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• Eight (8) years of professional experience within university advancement/development setting
• Experience in planning development efforts in support of institutional and departmental strategies, and managing and leading goal-oriented teams
• Experience in academic and/or higher education development, collaborating with prominent faculty, and working understanding of university research units
• Demonstrated track record of success securing major gifts and meeting fundraising goals
• Exceptional communication, networking, and relationship-management skills, with demonstrated success engaging and influencing diverse stakeholders, including faculty, alumni, volunteers, donors, and high-net-worth individuals.
• Knowledge of human resources processes, with experience in mediation, negotiation, staff development, and teaching/training staff
• Demonstrated experience developing communication plans, instructional materials and related content, and with conducting in-person meetings
• Experience applying policies and procedures, writing legal and technical documents, and at assembling, organizing, and conceptualizing numerical data in spreadsheets, databases, reports, and presentations
• Lead/guidance skills, with the ability to manage, balance and prioritize different tasks and projects for various projects
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Knowledge of risk management and liability issues affecting higher education

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree
• 10 years of professional experience within university advancement/development setting
• Experience with donor/development management systems (e.g., SalesForce, DonorPerfect, Raiser’s Edge NXT, eTapestry, Bloomerang, easyTithe)
• Demonstrated understanding, strong insight, and experience in development and/or fundraising in the Los Angeles and Greater Southern California region.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, implementation, and execution of comprehensive fundraising and stewardship strategies in support of the Mann School’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Secure major, principal, and transformational gifts from individuals, alumni, foundations, corporations, and other philanthropic partners.
• Partner with the Dean, faculty, and university leadership to identify funding priorities and develop philanthropic opportunities aligned with institutional goals.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospective and current donors while expanding and strengthening the school’s donor pipeline.
• Represent the Mann School to donors, alumni, foundations, corporations, volunteers, and other key stakeholders.
• Translate complex scientific and research initiatives into compelling cases for philanthropic investment.
• Plan and direct donor visits, engagement opportunities, and special events that advance fundraising objectives.
• Collaborate with university partners to develop donor communications, fundraising materials, impact stories, and stewardship initiatives.
• Encourage and support faculty engagement with foundations and corporate partners and facilitate philanthropic proposals when appropriate.
• Develop and oversee the annual development budget and ensure effective stewardship of resources.
• Recruit, mentor, and lead development staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and inclusive team culture.
• Establish goals, monitor progress, provide coaching and feedback, and empower staff and volunteers through active communication and leadership.
• Maintain awareness of legal, regulatory, and policy developments affecting philanthropy and higher education advancement.
• Promote a workplace culture where all employees are valued, value others, and have the opportunity to contribute through their ideas, words, and actions in accordance with the USC Code of Ethics.

Benefits

• The annual base salary range for this position is $200,000-$250,000.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior