Director of Development, USC Athletics

The University of Southern California (USC) is one of the world's leading private research universities. An anchor institution in Los Angeles and a global center for arts, technology, and international business, USC is also one of the largest private employers in the City of Los Angeles. We are searching for exceptional individuals to help us fulfill our mission: developing individuals and society as a whole through the cultivation and enrichment of the human mind and spirit.

As an employee of USC, you will be part of a world-class research university and a member of the "Trojan Family," which is comprised of the faculty, students, and staff that make the university what it is.

USC Athletics aims to inspire champions in competition and in the classroom. We exist to enrich the lives of students to positively impact our community and world for generations to come. Operating with the four core values of Competitive Spirit
, Togetherness
, Passionate Pride for USC
, and Our Courage to Blaze the Trail
, the Trojans choose to lead by example. With over 600 student-athletes competing throughout USC's 23 sports programs, USC Athletics is committed to serving as the unmatched, unquestioned top destination for talented student-athletes to reach their fullest potential in all that they do and offering student-athletes the ability to compete for NCAA and Big Ten championships while working toward a degree from one of the world's leading universities.

USC Athletics is looking to hire a Director of Development to join our staff and student community of 600+ individuals. This individual will assist in the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of major gift donors and will work under the general direction of the Associate Athletic Director for Development and as a member of the major gift development team.

Reporting directly to Brent Watson, the Associate Athletic Director of Development, the Director of Development will work in collaboration with athletics external teams and central advancement teams. The ideal candidate will have direct fundraising experience, preferably in collegiate athletics, along with experience in qualification, cultivation, stewardship, customer service, retention, and annual giving initiatives. The ideal candidate will be able to maintain a large portfolio of donors with the expectations of closing at least $4 million annually.

They are also goal-oriented with strong writing and communication skills. The ideal candidate will be a team player and have a collaborative mindset with high levels of initiative and creativity. Knowledge of and experience working in higher education preferred. Understanding of the unique culture and needs of college athletes preferred.

This position serves a large student and staff population, must demonstrate a commitment to improving outcomes for a variety of populations, and is expected to contribute to the program's demonstrated commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all. USC Athletics is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunity.

This is an exempt position with work expected to include travel and occasionally working weekends and nights.

• 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.
• En…