The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. USC is consistently ranked among the nation’s most prestigious universities, and the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology features one the world’s best degree and research programs in gerontology. We have an international reputation as a hub of aging research and, with additional strong programs throughout the university, leads the way in defining and advancing the field of gerontology.

The oldest and largest school of gerontology in the nation, the USC Leonard Davis School promotes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of aging and provides vital services to the Los Angeles community.

The University of Southern California recently completed a multi-year effort to secure $6 billion or more in private support. It was the largest and most successful campaign in the university’s history. The Campaign for the University of Southern California raised more than $7 billion.  Moreover, the Leonard Davis School exceeded its goal of $50 million and raised nearly $70 million.

The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology seeks two Development II Officers (Assistant Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations and Assistant Director of Development) to grow and sustain its alumni relations program help manage key events and secure annual and leadership gifts for its programs. Manages specific fundraising programs and/or projects.

Reporting to the Senior Associate Dean for Advancement, the Assistant Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations and the Assistant Director of Development will secure support for Davis students, faculty, programs and facilities in alignment with the school’s strategic priorities. He or she will create strategies and build programs to engage annual giving and alumni donors as well as related individual donors.

The ideal candidates for the above positions will have a minimum of five years of experience fundraising in a major campaign environment. He or she will have a strong track record of securing annual giving and alumni gifts, project and event management and possess documented success building and/or growing an annual fund and/or alumni relations program.

Professional experience in higher education is preferred.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Plan and execute strategies to identify, cultivate and solicit annual and alumni gifts; oversee all required stewardship activities, including acknowledging and reporting on gifts; contribute to school’s overall fundraising plan, goals, and objectives
• Manage key development events for the school and a dynamic portfolio of prospects and growing prospect pool; build strong relationships with alumni and annual gifts donors and influencers; travel for face-to-face meetings; respectfully utilize alumni networks to increase support for the school
• Author/edit proposals for and secure smaller gifts from individuals and alumni
• In collaboration with the senior associate dean, identify gift opportunities for individuals and alumni, build relationships with decision-makers, and develop strategic partnerships between donors and the USC Leonard Davis School programs
• Identify and enlist advocates and volunteers to assist in development efforts
• Contribute to constituent database to ensure current and complete donor records; utilize prospect management system; ensure compliance with university gift policies as well as laws and regulations governing charitable giving
• Evaluate and report the efficacy and ROI of annual giving and alumni relations activities

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Goal-oriented and dedicated to the mission, vision and goals of the school
• Demonstrated success securing annual and alumni gifts                                        
• Ability to create and implement operating plans to keep fundraising activities focused, prioritized, effective, and timely
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability and personality to work collaboratively, accept responsibility, and motivate colleagues, volunteers and donors; values the knowledge and contributions of others
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; demonstrated success in proposal writing; strong research skills
• Able to work in a fast paced environment productively with minimal supervision and contribute to a team
• Able to coordinate alumni and annual fund relations with other Development activities, participate in gift discussions, and partner with Central Alumni Relations and Annual Giving programs as well as USC Davis Communications as appropriate to maximize results
• Sound judgment and integrity
• Understanding of best practices and emerging trends in annual giving and  alumni relations; willingness to test new approaches and take appropriate risks
• Personal energy and enthusiasm and the ability to energize and motivate others            
• High-level user of Microsoft Office applications and constituent database
• Will be required to work occasional overtime and/or weekends in addition to some travel to and from meetings

Benefits include a competitive salary, a rich array of USC benefits including healthcare (including dental and vision), 403(b), tuition reimbursement, national holidays, paid vacation and sick time and much more. This is a full-time salaried position that will require substantial commitment and flexibility.

USC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring ordinance.

If you are interested in being considered for this wonderful opportunity to join our dynamic team, please submit your completed application. Include a cover letter and resume with references. Thank you for your interest.