Philanthropy Officer - Special Initiatives and Engagement - Foundation - Full Time 8 Hours Day (Non-Union, Exempt)

University of Southern California•Arcadia, CA

About The Position

This role is focused on operational excellence with high-touch and relationship management that bridges the gap between high-level event production and major gift development. The Philanthropy Officer (Special Initiatives & Engagement) is responsible for creating and executing high-impact environments to cultivate new prospects and deepen donor involvement.

Requirements

Associate’s Degree
5-7 years Fundraising experience
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook).
Must have excellent communication skills, including the ability to speak, read and write English proficiently.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree

Responsibilities

Concept and lead "salon-style" events (typically 20–50 guests) in unique private settings to spark curiosity and build relationships without immediate solicitation.
Manage the "critical path" for special initiatives such as the 125 Years celebration, larger signature events, overseeing everything from high-level logistics to the donor-centric run-of-show.
Ensure every touchpoint—from valet to follow-up notes—reflects an "elite" standard of hospitality.
Serve as the primary development liaison for managing and coordinating board meetings.
Collaborate with executive leadership to plan and execute impactful board meetings, ensuring that philanthropic goals remain central to the agenda.
Lead volunteer committees focused on specific special initiatives or event sponsorship goals.
Transition event attendees into long-term major gift pipelines through rapid, personalized follow-up and "discovery visits".
Work with marketing to create bespoke materials and "impact reports" that articulate the unique value of special initiatives to high-net-worth individuals.
Develop and manage comprehensive budgets for each signature event and salon, ensuring every dollar is allocated to maximize "Return on Event" (ROE).
Evaluate vendor bids (catering, venues, AV) to balance elite quality with fiscal responsibility, ensuring donor funds are used efficiently.
Provide real-time financial updates to leadership, tracking sponsorship pledges vs. actuals and managing event-related tax receipting.
Meticulously track all event-related invoices and staff reimbursements, adhering strictly to organizational audit standards.
Create and maintain detailed project timelines (6–12 months out) with clear milestones for marketing, invitations, and program development.
Proactively identify risks—such as speaker cancellations or weather issues—and develop "Plan B" scenarios to ensure seamless execution.
Coordinate with the Communications, Programs, and Finance teams to ensure event messaging is accurate and logistics are supported organization-wide.
Prepare "Gold Standard" briefing memos for Board members and Executives, including guest bios, talking points, and specific "moves management" goals for each attendee.
Oversee the "look and feel" of meetings, gatherings, etc.—from the weight of the invitation cardstock to the lighting and acoustic quality of a private room—to ensure a premium donor experience.
Ensure every guest interaction, dietary preference, and follow-up promise is accurately recorded in the CRM within 48 hours of an initiative's conclusion.