What are the responsibilities and job description for the Leadership Gift Strategy Officer position at Inside Higher Ed?
Department: DEV Development Services
Advertised Salary Range: $87,231 - commensurate with qualifications
Part/Full Time: Full Time
About UofSC
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, 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
Advertised Job Summary
Under limited supervision, reporting to the Vice President for the Division of Development (Vice President), the Leadership Gift Strategy Officer (Officer) administers Leadership Gift Prospect Plans (LGPs) for the university’s top prospects, ensuring that each plan is active, coordinated, and progressing in alignment with institutional priorities. While the Vice President, AVPs and unit-based directors of development serve as the primary relationship managers, this role plays a critical facilitative function—supporting the execution of complex strategies and fostering collaboration across campus partners to advance transformational philanthropic opportunities.This position is responsible for auditing and tracking the Top 100 leadership gift prospect plans, facilitating biweekly strategy meetings, and supporting weekly donor engagement discussions with the Vice President. The Officer works in close partnership with the President’s Office to prepare donor briefings, coordinate event logistics, and manage presidential donor interactions. The role also collaborates extensively with development and advancement teams and AVPs across the Division of Development—including Advancement Services, Donor Relations, Communications and Marketing—to ensure alignment and execution of donor strategies. Additionally, the position manages budgetary processes in partnership with the Division’s Finance related to leadership gift prospect and donor events and, in partnership with Advancement Services and prospect managers, maintains CRM integrity to support strategic decision-making.Success in this role requires exceptional communication and collaboration skills, meticulous attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the university’s development ecosystem. The Officer must be proactive, tenacious, and highly organized, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders and top university donors, and to serve as a trusted partner in the coordination of high-level philanthropic engagement.
Preferred Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications (Classified and Unclassified positions)
12/10/2025
Special Instructions to Applicant
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by December 10, 2025.
The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
To apply, please visit: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/197670
EEO Statement
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.
Copyright ©2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved.
Posted by the FREE value-added recruitment advertising agency
jeid-24c6fb8fbc1aee47a9e02b2e8d39f033
Advertised Salary Range: $87,231 - commensurate with qualifications
Part/Full Time: Full Time
About UofSC
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, 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
Advertised Job Summary
Under limited supervision, reporting to the Vice President for the Division of Development (Vice President), the Leadership Gift Strategy Officer (Officer) administers Leadership Gift Prospect Plans (LGPs) for the university’s top prospects, ensuring that each plan is active, coordinated, and progressing in alignment with institutional priorities. While the Vice President, AVPs and unit-based directors of development serve as the primary relationship managers, this role plays a critical facilitative function—supporting the execution of complex strategies and fostering collaboration across campus partners to advance transformational philanthropic opportunities.This position is responsible for auditing and tracking the Top 100 leadership gift prospect plans, facilitating biweekly strategy meetings, and supporting weekly donor engagement discussions with the Vice President. The Officer works in close partnership with the President’s Office to prepare donor briefings, coordinate event logistics, and manage presidential donor interactions. The role also collaborates extensively with development and advancement teams and AVPs across the Division of Development—including Advancement Services, Donor Relations, Communications and Marketing—to ensure alignment and execution of donor strategies. Additionally, the position manages budgetary processes in partnership with the Division’s Finance related to leadership gift prospect and donor events and, in partnership with Advancement Services and prospect managers, maintains CRM integrity to support strategic decision-making.Success in this role requires exceptional communication and collaboration skills, meticulous attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the university’s development ecosystem. The Officer must be proactive, tenacious, and highly organized, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders and top university donors, and to serve as a trusted partner in the coordination of high-level philanthropic engagement.
Preferred Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications (Classified and Unclassified positions)
- Education:
- A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Business, Communications, Public Relations, or a related discipline. A master’s degree is preferred.
- Experience:
- At least 7–10 years of experience in fundraising, development, or a related field, with a proven track record of securing major gifts.
- Experience working with high net-worth individuals and managing relationships with top-level donors.
- Previous experience in a higher education setting is highly desirable.
- Skills:
- Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong strategic planning and project management abilities.
- Proficiency in using fundraising databases and other relevant software.
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to inspire partnerships between individuals and departments.
- Attributes:
- High level of professionalism, tact, diplomacy, and discretion.
- Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to engage with individuals at all levels.
- A deep understanding of and commitment to the mission and goals of the University of South Carolina.
- Strategic Administrative Coordination
- Ability to manage complex workflows and coordinate across multiple stakeholders.
- Skilled in organizing high-level meetings, preparing materials, and ensuring follow-through on strategic initiatives.
- Relationship Management and Professional Presence
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships with senior leadership, development officers, and external stakeholders.
- Comfortable representing the division in high-profile settings and facilitating donor engagement logistics.
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft clear summaries, briefing documents, and correspondence.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate sensitive donor-related conversations and maintain confidentiality.
- Attention to Detail and Follow-Through
- High level of accuracy in tracking donor plans, updating CRM records, and managing event logistics.
- Persistent and proactive in ensuring tasks are completed and plans remain on track.
- Data and Systems Proficiency
- Proficient in using CRM systems (preferably in a higher education or nonprofit setting) to track donor engagement and plan progress.
- Comfortable working with spreadsheets, databases, and reporting tools to monitor activity and outcomes.
- Budget and Event Coordination
- Basic understanding of budget processes, including tracking expenditures and coordinating payments.
- Experience supporting event planning and execution, particularly in donor or executive-level contexts.
- Institutional Knowledge and Discretion
- Familiarity with university advancement structures and the role of leadership gifts in fundraising strategy.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in all interactions.
12/10/2025
Special Instructions to Applicant
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by December 10, 2025.
The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
- 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
To apply, please visit: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/197670
EEO Statement
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.
Copyright ©2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved.
Posted by the FREE value-added recruitment advertising agency
jeid-24c6fb8fbc1aee47a9e02b2e8d39f033
Salary : $87,231
