Associate Director of Development, School of Music

From the Upstate to the Low country, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning.

All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Inclusive Excellence Statement

Under limited supervision, reporting to the Lead Senior Director of Development (Lead Senior DOD) for the School of Music (School), the Associate Director of Development (Associate Director) supports the management and operations of Development through growing the major gift donor pipeline and maintaining attention to lead annual gift fundraising for the School. The Associate Director responsibilities include collaboration and partnerships internal and external across the Division of Development.

Cultivates and solicits a portfolio to grow major gifts and lead annual gifts from donor/prospect portfolios for the School. The Associate Director plays a key role in strengthening the donor pipeline by identifying, cultivating, and advancing annual giving donors toward major gift readiness through strategic engagement, stewardship, and donor relationship management.

• Comprehensive knowledge of principles and methods of planning and conducting a comprehensive major and lead annual gifts fundraising program.
• Strong knowledge in qualifying and experience soliciting donors/prospects to increase fundraising strategies that increase donor participation retention and philanthropic investment advancing assigned unit.
• Ability to manage complex projects while also managing relationships with colleagues and supervising others.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with staff, faculty, alumni, donors, students, volunteers, businesses, external vendors, and the general public to cultivate long-term donor relationships and strategically advance donors along the giving continuum.
• Work with a high degree of flexibility in a highly collaborative, fast-paced, goal-oriented environment.
• Apply creative and entrepreneurial thinking while applying sound judgment and conducting oneself with integrity.
• Outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills.
• Ability to adhere to industry guidelines, methodologies and code of ethics statements as defined by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and other professional organizations and associations.

• Bachelor's degree and 3 years of fundraising or development experience in higher education and/or hybrid development model.
• Familiarity with Blackbaud CRM donor database analytics to inform fundraising strategies and identify donor upgrade opportunities preferred.

Job Close Date 11/21/2026

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition
• Dependent Scholarships
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.