Director of Principal Gifts, USC Athletics

Director of Principal Gifts, USC Athletics

University Advancement is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven, results-oriented fundraising professional to serve as Director of Principal Gifts, USC Athletics. This is a key frontline fundraiser responsible for securing major philanthropic support for one of the nation’s premier athletics programs.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Principal Gifts, this individual will play a hands-on, donor-facing role focused on cultivating, soliciting, and closing six and seven-figure gifts ($1M ) to advance the strategic priorities of USC Athletics.

The Director will thrive on building authentic relationships, developing thoughtful solicitation strategies, and achieving ambitious fundraising goals that directly enhance the student-athlete experience, support facility improvements, and strengthen USC’s leadership in collegiate athletics.

This is a compelling opportunity for an experienced fundraising professional who thrives in a fast-paced athletics environment, is driven by measurable outcomes, and is passionate about building meaningful connections between donors and impact.

This is a hybrid position under USC’s current work arrangement plan. Evenings, weekends, and travel are required for this position.

University Advancement is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all, where 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.

Key responsibilities include the following:

Principal Gift Fundraising & Strategy – 50%

• Serve as a frontline principal gift officer, managing a portfolio of major prospects with the capacity to give $1M

• Lead all stages of the donor lifecycle from identification and cultivation to solicitation and stewardship

• Develop customized, data-informed strategies that align donor interests with Athletics priorities

• Work with the Athletics Chief Development Officer, Major Gifts team, and University Advancement to design compelling proposals and gift opportunities that drive transformational support

• Achieve and exceed defined performance metrics, including annual visit, solicitation, and revenue goals

• Initiate and maintain a high volume of donor visits, both locally and regionally, to cultivate relationships and drive gift conversations.

• Travel and attend marquee games and events to build meaningful connections with donors and prospects while representing USC with pride

Donor and Volunteer Engagement – 20%

• Engage and inspire alumni, parents, and friends of USC Athletics through events, game-day experiences, and regional programs that deepen donor connection to the Trojan spirit

• Work collaboratively with Advancement Communications and Athletics staff to deliver personalized donor experiences that showcase impact and gratitude

• Collaborate with USC’s Advancement Communications department to produce fundraising materials that elevate visibility and donor engagement

• Provide leadership and guidance to volunteer groups supporting fundraising efforts

• Ensure Advancement Athletics events and activities are executed with excellence and aligned with strategic goals

Fundraising Operations & Program Evaluation – 15%

• Attend regular Athletics and Advancement staff meetings to maintain strong alignment between development initiatives and programmatic goals

• Manage day-to-day fundraising operations, contributing to the development of goals, policies, and long-term strategies

• Assess and evaluate fundraising programs and events, identifying areas for improvement and recommending strategic adjustments

• Coordinate donor strategies with peers across campus to ensure holistic relationship management and institutional alignment

Proposal Development, Analysis and Reporting – 15%

• Research and craft tailored proposals for major and principal gift donors, translating USC Athletics’ strategic priorities into compelling philanthropic opportunities that inspire transformational giving. (10%)

• Prepare annual development reports and analyze donor engagement data, identify trends, measure progress toward fundraising goals, and inform future strategy to strengthen USC Athletics’ position as a national leader in collegiate sports. (5%)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or combined experience/education as a substitute)

• Minimum of five (5) years of professional fundraising experience, preferably in higher education, athletics, or related nonprofit environments

• Demonstrated track record of success securing campaign, major and principal gifts and meeting fundraising goals

• Exemplary interpersonal skills for communicating for “cold calling,” exceptional relationship-building skills, with demonstrated success engaging high-level donors and stakeholders, and being particularly sensitive to varied, sophisticated, high-net worth individuals and groups

• Ability to manage, balance and prioritize different tasks and projects

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree

• Seven (7) or more years of relevant experience in development or advancement leadership roles

• Strong understanding of intercollegiate athletics, donor motivations, and the role of philanthropy in sports programs

• Experience with donor/development management systems (e.g., Salesforce, DonorPerfect, Raiser’s Edge NXT, eTapestry, Bloomerang, easyTithe)

Required Documents and Additional Information

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

The budgeted salary range for this position is $130,000 - $150,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

To support faculty and staff well-being, USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of benefits and perks to help protect their and their dependents’ health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of USC’s total rewards package.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Addtional Education Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 5 years Minimum Skills: Major campaign, fundraising, public relations and/or volunteer management experience. Preferred Education: Master's degree Preferred Experience: 7 years

Salary : $130,000 - $150,000