Executive Director, Advancement Operations and Strategy

Job title: Executive Director, Advancement Operations and Strategy

Company: University of Southern California

Job description: The Executive Director, Advancement Operations and Strategy is a key member of the leadership team and has overall responsibility for managing operations and leading strategic initiatives for the USC Viterbi Advancement team. The position is responsible for managing operations, strategy, donor relations, and administrative aspects associated with the development process and leading a team of advancement operations staff.

Reporting to the Senior Associate Dean, the position contributes to the strategic planning process, and is responsible for the organization and management of advancement activities including but not limited to: donor relations, strategic planning, pipeline and prospect management, volunteer management, database management, data analytics and reporting, events, communications, administration, and financial reporting.

This position requires professional, senior-level expertise in proactive leadership and team building skills, as well as outstanding communication and interpersonal skills. Diplomacy, tact, and an ability to work collaboratively with other teams are also critical as the Executive Director must be sensitive to the needs and interests of other divisions, departments, and units with competing advancement objectives.

This position is responsible for the supervision of the following functions within the Viterbi Advancement office: database management (Salesforce), stewardship and donor relations, event management, communications, compliance, and pipeline/prospect management. The Executive Director will also serve as a key liaison to various Viterbi Boards, managing all logistics pertaining to board meetings and functions.

Job Responsibilities:

• As part of the senior leadership team, works to establish fundraising priorities and campaign strategies to achieve fundraising goals and objectives.
• Supervises and motivates advancement operations team members to achieve a high level of performance and team cohesion. Manages hiring, training, and performance assessment for the team. Supports professional development and skills development for team members.
• 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.
• Demonstrates proficiency in data management and effectively utilizes central shared services. Functions as a liaison between Viterbi and Central Advancement for all back-office functions, including USC donor database, reporting, and other tools. Brings a proactive, strategic approach to maximizing these resources.
• Demonstrates high-level volunteer management skills including board management, maintenance, and communications. Plans annual board meetings and manages communications with various Viterbi boards throughout the year.
• Maintains expertise in and ensures compliance with gift agreements, including grant, corporation, and foundation support.
• Oversees the creation of briefings, strategy documents, and other materials for the Dean, key faculty, and staff for various events, meetings, and visits.
• Working in concert with the Viterbi events team, develops and manages complex events. Interfaces with the University Events team and the President’s office.
• Manages and develops sophisticated and comprehensive stewardship programs that are designed to enhance the interest and involvement of prospects in the School and University.
• Oversees stewardship of all major donors and endowments. Manages the production of endowment reports. Ensures compliance of endowed funds including professorships, fellowships, scholarships, endowed chairs, and departments. Interfaces with internal departments, divisions across Viterbi, and central advancement to ensure productive partnerships.
• Develops and maintains strong working relationships with Viterbi Dean, leadership, and faculty, as well as central advancement and colleagues across USC. Ensures Viterbi Advancement priorities are aligned and enhanced across the university; identifies collaboration and gift opportunities.
• Maintains communications with key stakeholders (faculty, alumni, and students) on development strategies, activities, campaigns, initiatives, and achievements.
• Working closely with the Central executive team, proactively manages prospects, which includes general oversight of the major gift prospect pool including the prospect management tracking system (call reports, prospect ratings, electronic, and other ratings as needed). Incorporates strategic advice and direction to ensure goals are met.
• Partners with the Viterbi Advancement Business Manager to ensure accurate accounting and reporting of gifts.
• Ensures compliance with fundraising policies, agreements, goals, and procedures. In partnership with the senior leadership team, establishes efficient and effective policies and procedures for each aspect of the development process.
• Develops, implements, and manages the internal systems of prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, with strong emphasis on major gifts prospecting.
• Functions as liaison between Advancement and Marketing and Communications to ensure strategic collaboration.
• 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 duties as requested, delegated, or assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree. More than 10 years of development experience working across multiple priorities, preferably serving in a higher education setting.
• Experience executing major campaigns. Knowledge of prospect research, stewardship and volunteer management best practices.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience managing teams, volunteers, and/or donor services officers. Experience interacting with and communicating with senior administration and faculty, both in-person and virtually.
• Knowledge of basic accounting, IRS, CASE, and CAE regulations for receiving and reporting gifts. Advanced computer and database management skills (Salesforce experience highly preferred).
• Superior writing, interpersonal, and oral communication skills. Strong EQ and the capacity to work collaboratively across disparate teams. Ability to work well in advancement services functions and respond to colleagues across campus.
• Demonstrates passion for work, self-motivation, and self-direction in designing and completing complex projects. Adept at multitasking and meeting deadlines. Understands the principles and techniques related to donor engagement in all elements of development.
• Demonstrates integrity, positive attitude and diplomacy, tact and courtesy.

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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 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 (213) 821-8100, or by email at . Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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Expected salary:

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Job date: Sat, 16 Jul 2022 07:52:40 GMT

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