Demo

Senior Director of Development, Corporate Relations

Inside Higher Ed
Columbia, SC Full Time
POSTED ON 4/18/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/17/2026
Department: DEV Corporate & Fnd Relations

Advertised Salary Range

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 Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Corporate and Foundation Relations, the Senior Director of Development (Senior Director) for Corporate Relations (CFR) will be responsible for the planning, coordination, and management of a comprehensive and ongoing development program for the University of South Carolina with emphasis on corporate gifts of $100K and above, as well as overseeing CFR’s coordination with college/unit colleagues regarding corporate gifts, grants, sponsorships, and strategic partnership activities. Responsibilities include managing directors of development and actively engaging externally through creative discovery and outreach efforts for corporate and foundation gifts, as required. This includes responsibilities to support corporate and foundation strategies for the CFR team’s collaboration with colleges and units. Other responsibilities include active engagement internally by working with colleges and units in executing a successful CFR program, and in cultivating corporate and foundation prospective donors. Partners with colleagues to identify, cultivate and complete proposals and solicitations from companies and foundations. Proactively provides follow-up and stewardship on completed gifts. This position will be part of the University Development team and operate within the system and procedures of USC Development to ensure consistent and well-coordinated activities.

Preferred Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications (Classified and Unclassified positions)

  • Bachelor’s degree and 5 years proven experience in major gift/development in higher education and/or hybrid development model.
  • Previous campaign experience.
  • Corporate and foundations/major gifts solicitation experience and graduate degree are preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Knowledge

  • Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and methodologies involved in planning, implementing, and managing a robust corporate and foundation relations (CFR) program.
  • Strong understanding of fundraising strategies, donor engagement cycles, gift cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, particularly within higher education.
  • Familiarity with development operations, including prospect research, pipeline management, and performance metrics.
  • Thorough knowledge of database systems used in advancement operations, including CRM platforms such as Blackbaud CRM.
  • Knowledge of organizational management and staff development principles, including training, mentorship, and performance evaluation.

Skills

  • Demonstrated skill in identifying, visiting, qualifying, and cultivating corporate and foundation prospects with a consistent record of securing philanthropic support.
  • Advanced writing and communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling proposals, reports, and donor correspondence.
  • Strong oral and interpersonal communication skills for engaging effectively with faculty, academic leadership, donors, volunteers, and external partners.
  • Skilled in managing, developing, and motivating staff, particularly Directors of Development and administrative support personnel, to achieve strategic fundraising goals.
  • Proficient in the use of computer systems and software applications relevant to fundraising operations, including CRM databases, word processing, and analytics tools.

Abilities

  • Ability to build, maintain, and strengthen productive working relationships with internal and external constituents, including faculty, administrators, alumni, companies, and foundations.
  • Ability to cultivate and steward philanthropic relationships at all levels, demonstrating professionalism, discretion, and strategic judgment.
  • Ability to develop effective fundraising strategies, assess program performance, and implement process improvements.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across diverse academic units and administrative teams to support university‑wide development goals.
  • Ability to represent the institution with credibility and build relationships with leaders from a wide range of industries and professions.
  • Ability to organize and manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and maintain high‑quality documentation and reporting.

Job Close Date

05/18/2026

Special Instructions to Applicant

Qualifications

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 May 18, 2026.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

Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.

To apply, please visit: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/204847

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-c3749673cbf0344ea5066167f86c386a

Salary : $100,000

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Senior Director of Development, Corporate Relations?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Senior Director of Development, Corporate Relations career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$206,722 - $285,494
Income Estimation: 
$241,349 - $348,271
Income Estimation: 
$100,905 - $134,805
Income Estimation: 
$105,549 - $167,174
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Inside Higher Ed

  • Inside Higher Ed Providence, RI
  • Brown University To view the full job posting and apply for this position, go to: https://brown.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/staff-careers-brown/job/Barus--... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • Inside Higher Ed Providence, RI
  • Brown University To view the full job posting and apply for this position, go to: https://brown.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/staff-careers-brown/job/121-Sou... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • Inside Higher Ed Washington, DC
  • The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiri... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • Inside Higher Ed Washington, DC
  • The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiri... more
  • 13 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Senior Director of Development, Corporate Relations jobs in the Columbia, SC area that may be a better fit.

  • University of South Carolina Columbia, SC
  • Work Schedule Standard working schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pm Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department. more
  • 18 Days Ago

  • State of South Carolina Columbia, SC
  • Job Responsibilities Director, Strategic Operations, Corporate and Foundation Relations Department: DEV Corporate & Fnd Relations Advertised Salary Range P... more
  • 25 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!