Senior Director, Prospect Development

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

As part of the Keck Advancement team, the Senior Director, Prospect Development, will partner closely with Keck Advancement leadership, fundraisers, and staff to lead operational support for Keck’s top fundraising priorities. Reporting to the Senior Associate Vice President of Development, this role oversees prospect development, strategy, and engagement, coordinating complex processes and projects to ensure best practices and maximize efficiencies. The Senior Director will lead the Keck Advancement Services team, participate in strategic decision-making, and model leadership that fosters a collaborative, positive, and inclusive team culture. Essential job duties include, but are not limited to: Strategic & Operational Leadership Provide high-level support to the Senior Associate Vice President to advance development operations and gift officer activity. Lead the Keck Advancement Services team and contribute to strategic planning and decision-making. Develop and implement best practices for proposal processes and prospect development. Data Analysis & Reporting Prepare and analyze reports for proposals, relationship management, and fund accounts. Gather and analyze data for special projects in collaboration with central advancement offices; identify trends and actionable insights. Conduct benchmarking research to support proposal development for Keck’s fundraising priorities. Prospect & Portfolio Management Coordinate with central Relationship Management and Tracking System to identify and assign prospects, ensuring effective alignment with Keck’s team, particularly at the $1M+ level. Collaborate with gift officers and central teams to manage and track portfolios; assist in strategies to re-engage inactive prospects or reassign based on interests. Project Coordination & Confidential Documentation Coordinate and assemble fundraising priorities and materials for initiatives. Manage confidential documentation with accuracy and integrity; maintain secure files. Anticipate and manage projects proactively, resolving issues to keep initiatives on track. Training & Resource Development Build and maintain resources for fundraisers and staff; contribute to relevant training and education. Undertake special projects as directed by the Senior Associate Vice President. Other Duties Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

Expertise in research and analytical tools; ability to interpret donor-giving trends and prioritize prospects.
Proven ability to synthesize research data into actionable findings for fundraising staff and leadership.
Familiarity with CRM systems (USC uses Salesforce).
Demonstrated experience implementing strategies, policies, and procedures; ability to manage multiple projects while addressing daily needs.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills and political acumen to build partnerships at all organizational levels.
Experience collaborating with diverse teams to organize workflow and achieve objectives.
Ability to establish relationships with key stakeholders (administrative leaders, gift officers, faculty) to advance priorities.
Advanced knowledge of confidentiality, regulatory, and university policies; sound judgment in handling sensitive matters.
Strong project management, time management, and organizational skills; ability to work independently and as a team leader.
Progressive experience in advancement, preferably in higher education.
Knowledge of university fundraising principles and best practices.
Highly motivated, thrives in a dynamic environment, and meets deadlines independently.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum 10 years of development research experience in higher education (or equivalent) and 3 years of management experience.
Experience in development, maintaining meaningful relationships with a wide variety of internal/external stakeholders.
Ability to self-manage, prioritize work assignments and manage multiple deadlines.
Experience maintaining and interpreting large datasets and database systems.
Excellent planning, organizational and interpersonal skills.
Detail oriented with excellent written and oral communication skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in business administration or related field.
Experience in a complex medical or academic development setting.
Comfortable interfacing with senior university leadership and supporters.
Strong diplomacy skills; ability to cultivate relationships at all levels.
High integrity and confidentiality.
Ability to multi-task effectively with strong organizational skills.
Sound judgment and decision-making.
Cooperative, team-oriented attitude; effective facilitator in various settings.
Follows established USC and department policies, procedures, objectives, performance improvement, attendance, safety, environmental, and infection control guidelines, including adherence to the workplace Code of Conduct and Compliance Plan.
Development experience in higher education.
Experience in management/leadership roles.
Volunteer experience in fundraising, campaign or non-profit environments.
Experience with email marketing, website development/coding and Adobe Creative Suite.
Extensive customer service experience.
Fluent in one or more language in addition to English (e.g., Spanish).

Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Leadership Provide high-level support to the Senior Associate Vice President to advance development operations and gift officer activity.
Lead the Keck Advancement Services team and contribute to strategic planning and decision-making.
Develop and implement best practices for proposal processes and prospect development.
Data Analysis & Reporting Prepare and analyze reports for proposals, relationship management, and fund accounts.
Gather and analyze data for special projects in collaboration with central advancement offices; identify trends and actionable insights.
Conduct benchmarking research to support proposal development for Keck’s fundraising priorities.
Prospect & Portfolio Management Coordinate with central Relationship Management and Tracking System to identify and assign prospects, ensuring effective alignment with Keck’s team, particularly at the $1M+ level.
Collaborate with gift officers and central teams to manage and track portfolios; assist in strategies to re-engage inactive prospects or reassign based on interests.
Project Coordination & Confidential Documentation Coordinate and assemble fundraising priorities and materials for initiatives.
Manage confidential documentation with accuracy and integrity; maintain secure files.
Anticipate and manage projects proactively, resolving issues to keep initiatives on track.
Training & Resource Development Build and maintain resources for fundraisers and staff; contribute to relevant training and education.
Undertake special projects as directed by the Senior Associate Vice President.
Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.