Director of Development, USC Athletics

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

7d•$85,000 - $95,000•Hybrid

About The Position

USC Athletics is seeking a Director of Development to join its staff and contribute to its community of over 600 individuals. This role involves assisting in the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of major gift donors, working under the general direction of the Associate Athletic Director for Development and as part of the major gift development team. The Director of Development will report directly to Brent Watson, the Associate Athletic Director of Development, and collaborate with athletics external teams and central advancement teams. The ideal candidate will have prior fundraising experience, ideally in collegiate athletics, with expertise in qualification, cultivation, stewardship, customer service, retention, and annual giving initiatives. This position requires managing a substantial portfolio of donors, with an expectation of closing at least $4 million annually. Strong writing and communication skills, a goal-oriented mindset, and a collaborative, team-player attitude with high initiative and creativity are essential. Prior experience in higher education and an understanding of the unique culture and needs of college athletes are preferred. This role serves a diverse student and staff population and must demonstrate a commitment to improving outcomes for various groups, upholding non-discrimination and equal opportunity principles. USC Athletics is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunity. This is an exempt position that may require travel and occasional work on weekends and nights.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree (preferably in business administration or other related field) and a minimum of three years of experience (five years preferred).
Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.
Proficient with Microsoft Office.
Ability to navigate CRM systems.
Demonstrated ability to establish, cultivate, and steward strong relationships with donors and friends, as well as to build and maintain lifelong partnerships and trust while aligning the donor’s passions and goals with the institution.
Motivated and able to develop innovative ideas to achieve results.
Ability to develop fundraising strategies and plans that integrate into the organization’s mission, priorities, and goals both independently and collaboratively within a team.
Works to resolve conflicts and differences through dialogue and open communication in a timely manner.
Strong interpersonal skills and customer service.
Poised, professional manner with the ability to express oneself clearly and empathetically in interactions with others in all forms of communications, i.e. verbal and written, one-on-one, group, etc.
Ability to communicate in a direct and professional manner that engages dialogue in a manner that resolves differences.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive relationships; puts the team/organizational goals above individual goals and actively contributes as a member of working teams.
Proven ability to work collegially and effectively with development colleagues, school administrators, and external constituencies.
Ability to work independently, problem solve, take initiative, set priorities, and handle multiple projects efficiently and effectively.
Takes responsibility and initiative to set and meet the goals, objectives, and obligations while representing the mission, visions, and values of the organization.
Demonstrated creativity, organizational ability, and strong attention to detail.
Ability to make decisions in ambiguous situations, exercise good judgment based on information and analysis in a fast-paced, dynamic, deadline-driven environment in an organized and professional manner.
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidences and protect confidential information.
Valid driver's license required.
Must participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System.
Demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Values.

Nice To Haves

Progressive experience in professional development (including major gift and campaign experience at a NCAA Division 1 athletic program, higher education, academic fundraising, public relations, marketing) preferred.
Knowledge of and experience working in higher education preferred.
Understanding of the unique culture and needs of college athletes preferred.

Responsibilities

Identify and maintain a portfolio of major gift prospects, including Top 25 prospects who will be solicited for a major gift within 12-18 months.
Develop and implement a solicitation strategy for each assigned major gift prospect, which will include 200 contacts annually (120 of these contacts will be in person).
Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects with emphasis on gifts of $250,000 or more, and develop and implement cultivation/solicitation strategies for each assigned major gift prospect.
Develop and propose specific solicitation strategies to advance USC Athletics fundraising campaign priorities, and match program and gift opportunities to the interests of potential donors consistent with established goals for USC Athletics.
Prepare and complete timely contact reports: prepare written proposals, background reports, and any other development materials for use during donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.
Ensure that all gifts are processed according to foundation policy and that donors are appropriately recognized and stewarded.
Attend and assist with development and University events where appropriate.
Design and implement development programs needed to sustain major gift and alumni support.
Establish personal goals, objectives, and strategies in consultation with the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development.
Develop and assist in the management of the Athletics West capital campaign, including planning and execution of special events to foster giving relationships with major gift prospects.
Work cooperatively with staff in the Office of Gift Planning and Principal Gifts Programs in preparing cultivation and solicitation strategies for assigned prospects, tracking, cultivation and solicitation with diverse communities and individuals that have not otherwise been approached.
Provide fundraising training opportunities for development staff, academic leaders, and volunteers.
Ensure compliance with the rules and regulations of the University, the NCAA, the Big Ten Conference, the State of California, and any other governing body.
Promote an environment that fosters inclusive relationships and creates unbiased opportunities for contributions through ideas, words, and actions that uphold principles of the USC Code of Ethics.
Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.