Director of Digital Fundraising

Director of Digital Fundraising

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the city of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the "Trojan Family," which comprises the faculty, students, and staff that make the university a prime place to learn, grow, and succeed.

University Advancement is seeking a Director of Digital Fundraising to help shape and advance the future of digital philanthropy at USC. Reporting to the Executive Director of Annual Giving, this role is a key driver of digital engagement strategy—connecting alumni, parents, and supporters to the university through innovative, data-informed fundraising experiences.

The Director will lead the development and execution of multi-channel digital campaigns that expand donor participation, strengthen relationships, and grow annual giving revenue. This role partners across advancement, marketing, and communications to bring campaigns to life, using insights, creativity, and emerging tools to continuously improve performance.

This is an opportunity for a collaborative and forward-thinking professional to make a meaningful impact at a world-class institution—bringing new ideas, testing innovative approaches, and helping scale digital fundraising efforts across a broad and engaged community.

This is a hybrid position under our current work arrangement plan, with the expectation of on-site presence in our downtown Los Angeles office (through June 2026) and/or main campus (University Park Campus).

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.

Responsibilities

Digital Fundraising Strategy & Growth (30%)

• Contribute to the development and execution of a comprehensive digital fundraising strategy that drives donor acquisition, retention, and long-term engagement.

• Translate Annual Giving priorities into effective digital campaigns, aligning goals, audiences, and messaging across channels.

• Identify and advance opportunities to expand digital giving, improve donor journeys, and increase participation across key segments.

• Partner with colleagues across advancement and marketing to align strategy, coordinate campaign planning, and deliver integrated fundraising initiatives.

Campaign Execution & Optimization (25%)

• Lead end-to-end execution of digital fundraising campaigns, including giving days, crowdfunding initiatives, and targeted appeals.

• Use data and analytics to monitor performance, uncover insights, and continuously refine campaign strategy and execution.

• Develop and implement audience segmentation and targeting approaches to deliver more personalized and effective donor experiences.

• Share results and recommendations with stakeholders, helping to inform future strategy and decision-making.

Volunteer Fundraising & Engagement (20%)

• Support and grow digital volunteer fundraising efforts that extend the reach and impact of Annual Giving campaigns.

• Develop tools, resources, and communications that empower volunteers to effectively engage their networks.

• Collaborate with advancement partners to integrate volunteer strategies into broader campaign planning and execution.

Digital Innovation & Tools (15%)

• Explore and implement new tools, platforms, and approaches that enhance digital fundraising performance and user experience.

• Partner with internal teams and external vendors to strengthen digital capabilities and ensure campaigns are delivered effectively.

• Contribute to a culture of innovation by testing new ideas, evaluating results, and scaling successful approaches.

Leadership & Collaboration (10%)

• Provide guidance and support to student staff or junior team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.

• Build strong cross-functional relationships to align strategy, messaging, and execution across teams.

• Serve as a trusted partner and contributor in advancing digital fundraising initiatives across the organization.
  
  

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in occasional evening and weekend activities in support of key fundraising campaigns and events.

• Engage in professional development opportunities, including training workshops, conferences, and presentations through the USC Fundraising Institute, USC-CASE programs, and other industry forums.

• Represent the university and contribute to the broader advancement community through participation in professional organizations and conferences, as appropriate.

• Perform other duties, as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree

• 5 years of relevant professional experience.

• Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.

• Demonstrated experience in digital fundraising, digital marketing, advancement, or a related field.

• Experience planning and executing multi-channel digital campaigns (e.g., email, web, social media, paid digital).

• Ability to use data and analytics to evaluate campaign performance, inform decisions, and optimize results.

• Working knowledge of customer relationship management (CRM) systems, email marketing platforms, and digital marketing tools.

• Experience managing projects or leading cross-functional initiatives with multiple stakeholders and deadlines.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop and deliver clear, compelling messaging.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse internal and external partners.

• Experience working with or supporting fundraising volunteers, stakeholders, or donor audiences.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt in a fast-paced environment.

• Working knowledge of digital analytics and reporting tools (e.g., Google Analytics or similar platforms).

• Understanding of digital marketing and advertising concepts, including audience targeting, segmentation, and campaign tracking.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

Preferred Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in digital fundraising, advancement, digital marketing, or related fields.

• Experience contributing to digital fundraising strategy development and campaign planning.

• Experience with giving days, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer fundraising, or volunteer-driven fundraising programs.

• Familiarity with marketing automation, audience segmentation, and personalization strategies.

• Experience analyzing campaign performance and translating insights into actionable recommendations.

• Experience mentoring, guiding, or supporting staff, students, or cross-functional partners.

• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or mission-driven fundraising environments.

• Familiarity with business intelligence or data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau or similar).

• Basic familiarity with content management systems (e.g., WordPress) and/or HTML/CSS.

• Experience managing external vendors, agencies, or technical partners.

Preferred Skills

• Data-driven mindset with the ability to interpret results and inform strategy.

• Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail.

• Innovative and creative approach to digital engagement and donor experience.

• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.

• Collaborative mindset with the ability to build relationships across teams.

Required Documents and Additional Information 

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

The budgeted salary range for this position is $101,565.19 – $108,675.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff & their family with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions once you meet Program's eligibility; tuition benefits for staff & their family; free professional development online courses; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses & free tram pick up services; discounts to football, basketball & other campus events.

The University of Southern California values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in employment.

Job Profile Summary Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Addtional Education Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 5 years Addtional Experience Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum work experience Minimum Skills: Experience in development, maintaining meaningful relationships with a wide variety of internal/external stakeholders. Ability to self-manage, prioritize work assignments and manage multiple deadlines. Experience maintaining and interpreting large datasets and database systems. Excellent planning, organizational and interpersonal skills. Detail oriented with excellent written and oral communication skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office. Preferred Education: Bachelor's degree Business Administration Or Bachelor's degree in related field(s) Preferred Experience: 5 years Preferred Skills: Development experience in higher education. Experience in management/leadership roles. Volunteer experience in fundraising, campaign or non-profit environments. Experience with email marketing, website development/coding and Adobe Creative Suite. Extensive customer service experience. Fluent in one or more language in addition to English (e.g., Spanish). Oversees, plans and coordinates specific fundraising programs and projects. Identifies, cultivates and solicits donor prospects and donations. Maintains relationships with donors and volunteers. Contributes to short- and long-term strategic planning efforts.