Leadership Gift Strategy Officer

University of South Carolina•Columbia, SC

52d

About The Position

Under limited supervision, reporting to the Vice President for the Division of Development (Vice President), the Leadership Gift Strategy Officer (Officer) administers Leadership Gift Prospect Plans (LGPs) for the university's top prospects, ensuring that each plan is active, coordinated, and progressing in alignment with institutional priorities. While the Vice President, AVPs and unit-based directors of development serve as the primary relationship managers, this role plays a critical facilitative function-supporting the execution of complex strategies and fostering collaboration across campus partners to advance transformational philanthropic opportunities. This position is responsible for auditing and tracking the Top 100+ leadership gift prospect plans, facilitating biweekly strategy meetings, and supporting weekly donor engagement discussions with the Vice President. The Officer works in close partnership with the President's Office to prepare donor briefings, coordinate event logistics, and manage presidential donor interactions. The role also collaborates extensively with development and advancement teams and AVPs across the Division of Development-including Advancement Services, Donor Relations, Communications and Marketing-to ensure alignment and execution of donor strategies. Additionally, the position manages budgetary processes in partnership with the Division's Finance related to leadership gift prospect and donor events and, in partnership with Advancement Services and prospect managers, maintains CRM integrity to support strategic decision-making. Success in this role requires exceptional communication and collaboration skills, meticulous attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the university's development ecosystem. The Officer must be proactive, tenacious, and highly organized, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders and top university donors, and to serve as a trusted partner in the coordination of high-level philanthropic engagement.

Requirements

Requires a bachelor's degree in a job-related field and 4 or more years of job-related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job-related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Flexibility to travel and work evenings and weekends as required.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Business, Communications, Public Relations, or a related discipline. A master's degree is preferred.
At least 7-10 years of experience in fundraising, development, or a related field, with a proven track record of securing major gifts.
Experience working with high net-worth individuals and managing relationships with top-level donors.
Previous experience in a higher education setting is highly desirable.
Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
Outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong strategic planning and project management abilities.
Proficiency in using fundraising databases and other relevant software.
Ability to work independently
Ability to inspire partnerships between individuals and departments.
High level of professionalism, tact, diplomacy, and discretion.
Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to engage with individuals at all levels.
A deep understanding of and commitment to the mission and goals of the University of South Carolina.
Strategic Administrative Coordination
Ability to manage complex workflows and coordinate across multiple stakeholders.
Skilled in organizing high-level meetings, preparing materials, and ensuring follow-through on strategic initiatives.
Relationship Management and Professional Presence
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships with senior leadership, development officers, and external stakeholders.
Comfortable representing the division in high-profile settings and facilitating donor engagement logistics.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft clear summaries, briefing documents, and correspondence.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate sensitive donor-related conversations and maintain confidentiality.
Attention to Detail and Follow-Through
High level of accuracy in tracking donor plans, updating CRM records, and managing event logistics.
Persistent and proactive in ensuring tasks are completed and plans remain on track.
Data and Systems Proficiency
Proficient in using CRM systems (preferably in a higher education or nonprofit setting) to track donor engagement and plan progress.
Comfortable working with spreadsheets, databases, and reporting tools to monitor activity and outcomes.
Budget and Event Coordination
Basic understanding of budget processes, including tracking expenditures and coordinating payments.
Experience supporting event planning and execution, particularly in donor or executive-level contexts.
Institutional Knowledge and Discretion
Familiarity with university advancement structures and the role of leadership gifts in fundraising strategy.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in all interactions.