Assistant Director of Development

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the city of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the "Trojan Family," which comprises the faculty, students, and staff that make the university a prime place to learn, grow, and succeed.
University Advancement is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture in which all advancement staff and our stakeholders have the opportunity to connect, belong, and grow while supporting the University of Southern California’s mission, values, and goals. 

University Advancement is seeking an Assistant Director of Development to join its Campaign Operations team. The Campaign Operations team’s goal is to conduct planning and operational activity for university fundraising and campaign initiatives. Taking the lead from the University President, this office works in partnership with faculty leaders, researchers, administrators, and fundraisers across the university. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Development, the incumbent will be responsible for program management, department organization of donor engagement as it pertains to each initiative, and data review and prospect analysis.

The ideal candidate will be highly motivated to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, and has proven experience meeting deadlines and goals independently. They should have the ability to build productive relationships, high attention to detail, and excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience operating in higher education is a plus.

This is a hybrid position under our current work arrangement plan, with the expectation of on-site presence in our downtown Los Angeles office (USC Tower) and main campus (University Park Campus). This position includes the expectation of some evening and weekend work, as needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level administrative support to the Campaign Operations team and to members of the University Advancement senior leadership team.

• Work with central advancement internal offices (e.g., Advancement Services, Advancement Communications) on gathering data for special projects. Analyze data for trends and findings.

• Draft presentations, reports, and other development-related communications for senior leadership, in partnership with Advancement Services and Advancement Communications.

• Work closely with members of the University Advancement senior leadership team to provide support with donor engagement. Specific responsibilities may include drafting briefings, preparing emails, and organizing/managing donor outreach strategies. 

• Coordinate and assemble confidential documentation, ensuring completeness and accuracy; maintain confidential files.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.

• At least 3 years of related administrative and operational experience.

• Demonstrated ability to build bridges and strong collaborative relationships across a complex organization with astuteness and agility.

• Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal and communications skills.

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in major campaign fundraising, preferably at a complex research university.

• Experience working in higher education.

Required Documents and Additional Information

Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.

The budgeted salary range for this position is $80,970 – $85,500. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations. 

USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff & their family with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions once you meet Program's eligibility; tuition benefits for staff & their family; free professional development online courses; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses & free tram pick up services; discounts to football, basketball & other campus events.

The University of Southern California values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in employment.