Chief Development Officer (Los Angeles)

The University of Southern California seeks an accomplished advancement leader to serve as Chief Development Officer for the USC Suzanne Dworak‑Peck School of Social Work. Reporting to the Dean and with a dotted‑line relationship to the Vice President, Health Sciences Advancement, the CDO leads all aspects of the School’s comprehensive development program, driving major, principal and transformational gifts and advancing the School’s strategic priorities through philanthropy.

Opportunity

The USC Suzanne Dworak‑Peck School of Social Work offers an exceptional opportunity to advance one of the nation's leading schools of social work and a recognized leader in improving health and social outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. Nationally recognized for excellence in behavioral health, military social work, telehealth innovation, workforce development, health equity, aging, child welfare, juvenile justice, homelessness, responsible artificial intelligence, and community‑based solutions, the school addresses society’s most pressing challenges through pioneering research, innovative education, and meaningful community partnerships.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a strategic, mission‑driven development leader who brings demonstrated success securing major and principal gifts, leading comprehensive fundraising programs, managing high‑performing teams, and cultivating relationships with sophisticated donors. They possess a deep appreciation for the ways social work drives meaningful health and social impact and can translate these impacts into compelling philanthropic opportunities that resonate with foundations, community leaders, alumni, and donors committed to social change.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, implementation, and execution of comprehensive fundraising and stewardship strategies in support of the School’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Secure major, principal, and transformational gifts from individuals, alumni, foundations, corporations, and other philanthropic partners.
• Partner with the Dean, faculty, and university leadership to identify funding priorities and develop philanthropic opportunities aligned with institutional goals.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospective and current donors while expanding and strengthening the School’s donor pipeline.
• Represent the School to donors, alumni, foundations, corporations, community leaders, volunteers, advocates, and other key stakeholders.
• Translate complex research, community‑based initiatives, workforce development programs, and policy‑focused efforts into compelling cases for philanthropic investment.
• Build relationships with philanthropic partners interested in behavioral health, health equity, community impact, workforce development, vulnerable populations, and systems‑level change.
• Plan and direct donor visits, engagement opportunities, and special events that advance fundraising objectives.
• Collaborate with university partners to develop donor communications, fundraising materials, impact stories, and stewardship initiatives.
• Encourage and support faculty engagement with foundations, community partners, and corporate organizations and facilitate philanthropic proposals when appropriate.
• Develop and oversee the annual development budget and ensure effective stewardship of resources.
• Recruit, mentor, and lead development staff, fostering a collaborative, high‑performing, and inclusive team culture.
• Establish goals, monitor progress, provide coaching and feedback, and empower staff and volunteers through active communication and leadership.
• Maintain awareness of legal, regulatory, and policy developments affecting philanthropy and higher education advancement.
• Promote a workplace culture where all employees are valued, value others, and have the opportunity to contribute through their ideas, words, and actions in accordance with the University’s Code of Ethics.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Eight (8) years of professional experience within university advancement or development setting.
• Experience planning development efforts in support of institutional and departmental strategies, and managing and leading goal‑oriented teams.
• Experience in academic and/or higher education development, collaborating with prominent faculty, and understanding university research units.
• Demonstrated track record of success securing major gifts and meeting fundraising goals.
• Exceptional communication, networking, and relationship‑management skills, with demonstrated success engaging and influencing diverse stakeholders, including faculty, alumni, volunteers, donors, and high‑net‑worth individuals.
• Knowledge of human resources processes, with experience in mediation, negotiation, staff development, and teaching/training staff.
• Demonstrated experience developing communication plans, instructional materials, and related content, and conducting in‑person meetings.
• Experience applying policies and procedures, writing legal and technical documents, and assembling, organizing, and conceptualizing numerical data in spreadsheets, databases, reports, and presentations.
• Lead and guidance skills, with the ability to manage, balance, and prioritize different tasks and projects for various initiatives.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Knowledge of risk management and liability issues affecting higher education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Ten (10) years of professional experience within university advancement or development setting.
• Experience with donor and development management systems such as Salesforce, DonorPerfect, Raiser’s Edge NXT, eTapestry, Bloomerang, and easyTithe.
• Demonstrated understanding, strong insight, and experience in development and/or fundraising in the Los Angeles and Greater Southern California region.

Compensation and Benefits

The annual base salary range for this position is $200,000‑$250,000, with additional benefits eligible for employees, including health, wealth, and future protection, as part of the overall compensation and total rewards package.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Other Policies

USC is an equal opportunity 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 observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law and will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. USC will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at View phone number on apply.placed-app.com, or by email at View email address on apply.placed-app.com. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

Background Screening Policy

Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.