Executive Director of Principal Gifts, USC Athletics

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

20d•$185,214 - $240,000•Hybrid

About The Position

USC Advancement is seeking a strategic, relationship-centered, results-oriented fundraising leader to serve as Executive Director of Principal Gifts, USC Athletics , who will be responsible for building and securing high-level philanthropic support of one of the nation’s premier athletics programs. Reporting directly to the Associate Senior Vice President of University Advancement, with a dotted line into USC Athletics (to the Senior Associate Athletic Director/Chief Development Officer), this individual will play a hands-on, donor-facing role focused on cultivating, soliciting, and closing seven and eight-figure gifts ($1M+) to advance the strategic priorities of USC Athletics. The Executive Director will be a frontline fundraiser who thrives on the challenge of building relationships, developing creative solicitation strategies, and achieving ambitious goals that directly enhance the student-athlete experience, expand facilities, and strengthen USC’s position as a leader in collegiate athletics. This individual will hire and manage one direct report, Director of Principal Gifts, USC Athletics. This is a hybrid position under USC’s current work arrangement plan. Evenings, weekends, and travel are required for this position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (or combined experience/education as a substitute); Master’s degree preferred
Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive professional fundraising experience, preferably in higher education, intercollegiate athletics, or related nonprofit environments, including advancement or development leadership roles
Proven success securing major and principal gifts, managing a national principal gift portfolio, and achieving ambitious fundraising and revenue goals
Experience developing and executing comprehensive advancement strategies aligned with institutional priorities
Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to guide, mentor, and motivate high-performing teams
Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with demonstrated success engaging high-level donors and institutional stakeholders
Highly organized with exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, problem-solving, and project management abilities
Ability to navigate complex organizations, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple priorities with discretion and professionalism
Strong understanding of intercollegiate athletics, donor motivations, and the role of philanthropy in sports programs
Experience with donor and development management systems (e.g., Salesforce, DonorPerfect, Raiser’s Edge NXT, eTapestry, Bloomerang, easyTithe)

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred
Experience with donor/development management systems (e.g., 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

Serve as a frontline principal gift officer, personally managing a robust national portfolio of prospects with the capacity to give $1M+
Lead every stage of the donor lifecycle from identification and cultivation to solicitation and stewardship, with a goal of securing multiple seven- and eight-figure commitments annually
Develop and execute customized, data-informed cultivation strategies that align donor interests with USC Athletics priorities
Partner and provide support to the Director of Athletics and advancement leaders to design compelling proposals and gift opportunities that drive transformational support
Schedule donor visits utilizing key athletic department leaders including the Director of Athletics and Head Coaches/General Managers.
Achieve and exceed defined performance metrics, including annual visit, solicitation, and revenue goals
Travel and attend marquee games and events to build meaningful connections with donors and prospects while representing USC with pride
Work closely with the Director of Athletics, Athletics Major Gifts team, and University Advancement leadership to advance strategic priorities and ensure cohesive donor engagement
Attend regular Athletics and Advancement staff meetings to maintain strong alignment between development initiatives and programmatic goals
Coordinate donor strategies with peers across campus to ensure holistic relationship management and institutional alignment
Engage and inspire alumni, parents, and friends of USC Athletics through events, game-day experiences, and regional programs that deepen donor connection to the Trojan spirit
Work collaboratively with Advancement Communications and Athletics staff to deliver personalized donor experiences that showcase impact and gratitude
Represent USC Athletics with professionalism, discretion, and credibility when engaging high-profile prospects and partners
Provide mentorship and strategic guidance to development colleagues, modeling best practices in principal gift fundraising
Contribute to overall campaign planning and execution within University Advancement, ensuring Athletics fundraising efforts align with broader institutional priorities
Maintain a disciplined approach to prospect management, documentation, and reporting within the Advancement CRM (Salesforce)
Directly supervise one full-time professional staff member and may provide functional oversight of additional staff, as assigned.