Director of Development, USC Athletics

Los Angeles, CA - University Park Campus Feb 13, 2026

$85K - $95K

The University of Southern California (USC) is one of the world’s leading private research universities. An anchor institution in Los Angeles and a global center for arts, technology, and international business, USC is also one of the largest private employers in the City of Los Angeles. We are searching for exceptional individuals to help us fulfill our mission: developing individuals and society as a whole through the cultivation and enrichment of the human mind and spirit. As an employee of USC, you will be part of a world-class research university and a member of the “Trojan Family,” which is comprised of the faculty, students, and staff that make the university what it is. USC Athletics aims to inspire champions in competition and in the classroom. We exist to enrich the lives of students to positively impact our community and world for generations to come. Operating with the four core values of Competitive Spirit , Togetherness , Passionate Pride for USC , and Our Courage to Blaze the Trail , the Trojans choose to lead by example. With over 600 student-athletes competing throughout USC’s 23 sports programs, USC Athletics is committed to serving as the unmatched, unquestioned top destination for talented student-athletes to reach their fullest potential in all that they do and offering student-athletes the ability to compete for NCAA and Big Ten championships while working toward a degree from one of the world’s leading universities.

JOB DESCRIPTION

USC Athletics is looking to hire a Director of Development to join our staff and student community of 600+ individuals. This individual will assist in the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of major gift donors and will work under the general direction of the Associate Athletic Director for Development and as a member of the major gift development team. Reporting directly to Brent Watson, the Associate Athletic Director of Development, the Director of Development will work in collaboration with athletics external teams and central advancement teams. The ideal candidate will have direct fundraising experience, preferably in collegiate athletics, along with experience in qualification, cultivation, stewardship, customer service, retention, and annual giving initiatives. The ideal candidate will be able to maintain a large portfolio of donors with the expectations of closing at least $4 million annually. They are also goal-oriented with strong writing and communication skills. The ideal candidate will be a team player and have a collaborative mindset with high levels of initiative and creativity. Knowledge of and experience working in higher education preferred. Understanding of the unique culture and needs of college athletes preferred. This position serves a large student and staff population, must demonstrate a commitment to improving outcomes for a variety of populations, and is expected to contribute to the program’s demonstrated commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all. USC Athletics is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunity. This is an exempt position with work expected to include travel and occasionally working weekends and nights. Roles and Responsibilities Identify and maintain a portfolio of major gift prospects, including Top 25 prospects who will be solicited for a major gift within 12-18 months. Develop and implement a solicitation strategy for each assigned major gift prospect, which will include 200 contacts annually (120 of these contacts will be in person). Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects with emphasis on gifts of $250,000 or more, and develop and implement cultivation/solicitation strategies for each assigned major gift prospect. Develop and propose specific solicitation strategies to advance USC Athletics fundraising campaign priorities, and match program and gift opportunities to the interests of potential donors consistent with established goals for USC Athletics. Prepare and complete timely contact reports: prepare written proposals, background reports, and any other development materials for use during donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities. Ensure that all gifts are processed according to foundation policy and that donors are appropriately recognized and stewarded. Attend and assist with development and University events where appropriate. Design and implement development programs needed to sustain major gift and alumni support. Establish personal goals, objectives, and strategies in consultation with the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development. Develop and assist in the management of the Athletics West capital campaign, including planning and execution of special events to foster giving relationships with major gift prospects. Work cooperatively with staff in the Office of Gift Planning and Principal Gifts Programs in preparing cultivation and solicitation strategies for assigned prospects, tracking, cultivation and solicitation with diverse communities and individuals that have not otherwise been approached. Provide fundraising training opportunities for development staff, academic leaders, and volunteers. Compliance with the rules and regulations of the University, the NCAA, the Big Ten Conference, the State of California, and any other governing body is of paramount importance to the University. The overall responsibility of this position is for the successful operation of the program in full compliance with all such rules and regulations. As a condition of employment, the Employee shall be required to participate in rules education programs offered by Athletics. Promotes an environment that fosters inclusive relationships and creates unbiased opportunities for contributions through ideas, words, and actions that uphold principles of the USC Code of Ethics. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time. Qualifications The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree (preferably in business administration or other related field) and a minimum of three years of experience (five years preferred). Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education. Proficient with Microsoft Office, and the ability to navigate CRM systems. Progressive experience in professional development (including major gift and campaign experience at a NCAA Division 1 athletic program, higher education, academic fundraising, public relations, marketing) preferred. Demonstrated ability to establish, cultivate, and steward strong relationships with donors and friends, as well as to build and maintain lifelong partnerships and trust while aligning the donor’s passions and goals with the institution. Motivated and able to develop innovative ideas to achieve results. Recognizes and seizes opportunities. Ability to develop fundraising strategies and plans that integrate into the organization’s mission, priorities, and goals both independently and collaboratively within a team. Works to resolve conflicts and differences through dialogue and open communication in a timely manner. Sees every difference as an opportunity for growth and change. Strong interpersonal skills and customer service. Poised, professional manner with the ability to express oneself clearly and empathetically in interactions with others in all forms of communications, i.e. verbal and written, one-on-one, group, etc. Ability to communicate in a direct and professional manner that engages dialogue in a manner that resolves differences. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive relationships; puts the team/organizational goals above individual goals and actively contributes as a member of working teams. Proven ability to work collegially and effectively with development colleagues, school administrators, and external constituencies. Ability to work independently, problem solve, take initiative, set priorities, and handle multiple projects efficiently and effectively. Takes responsibility and initiative to set and meet the goals, objectives, and obligations while representing the mission, visions, and values of the organization. Demonstrated creativity, organizational ability, and strong attention to detail. Ability to make decisions in ambiguous situations, exercise good judgment based on information and analysis in a fast-paced, dynamic, deadline-driven environment in an organized and professional manner. Demonstrated ability to maintain confidences and protect confidential information. Valid driver's license required. Position will participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System. A copy of DMV record will be required as a final condition of employment. In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Values. Additional Education Requirements: Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education. Minimum Experience: 3 years. Additional 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. Salary Range The annual base salary range for this position is $85,000 – $95,000. 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 alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations. 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. We 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 click.appcast.io, or by email at View email address on click.appcast.io. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law. 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. We 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 click.appcast.io, or by email at View email address on click.appcast.io. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. #J-18808-Ljbffr Dormont Manufacturing Co