Associate 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.

JOB DESCRIPTION USC Athletics is looking to hire an
** Associate Director of Development
** to join our staff and student community of 600+ individuals.  This role is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting annual and major gifts in support of USC Athletics while serving as a key member of the annual giving team supporting all external fundraising campaigns and giving initiatives.

Reporting directly to Parker Poliakoff, Associate Athletic Director, the Associate Director of Development will work in collaboration with the athletics development office, membership services team, the athletics marketing office, the central advancement annual giving team, and individual sport programs. The ideal candidate will have direct fundraising experience, preferably in collegiate athletics along with experience in annual giving initiatives. They are goal-oriented with strong writing, communication, and customer service skills.

The ideal candidate will also have a collaborative mindset with a high level of initiative and creativity. The ideal candidate also preferably has experience and expertise with CRM systems, Microsoft 365 products, and an understanding of how to utilize data to implement and improve annual giving initiatives. 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 be conducted in the office five days a week and includes travel and occasionally working weekends and nights.

Roles and responsibilities to include:
* Assist with the general day-to-day management of the annual fund, including management of various annual giving campaign efforts.
* Assist in growing the Trojan Victory Fund through marketing efforts to increase awareness, cultivation, and solicitation of prospects and current donors, stewardship, and annual renewals.
* Utilize strategic thinking and creative problem solving to discover new annual giving donors and increase annual philanthropic support.
* Develop relationships with donors and prospects to solicit and close gifts in support of USC Athletics
* Manage fundraising initiatives including discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship for various sports programs.
* Manage a portfolio of 150 to 200 current and potential donors.
* Responsible for 160 substantive contacts annually with the goal of identifying, cultivating, and soliciting gifts.
* Promotes an environment that fosters inclusive relationships and creates unbiased opportunities for contributions through ideas words, and actions that uphold principles of the USC Code of Ethics.
* Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Qualifications
* The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years of experience. Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum experience.
* Development research experience in higher education required.
* Ability to self-manage, prioritize work assignments and manage multiple deadlines.
* Experience maintaining and…