Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located 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 is comprised of the faculty, students and staff that make the university what it is. University Advancement is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture in which 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.

USC University Advancement division is seeking a Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations to join its Central Development team. Reporting to the Senior Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations the incumbent will be responsible for coordinating activities, developing strategies, building relationships and raising funds from corporations and foundations.

Responsibilities:

• Partners with Senior Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations to increase support and raise funds from corporations and foundations by developing strategies to strengthen relationships with current prospects and to identify and build relationships with new prospects.

• Works together with Senior Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations to develop an annual corporate and foundations relations plan that includes measurable goals, metrics and specific strategies for expanding both levels and sources of support.

• Participates in prospect management and prospect strategy meetings.

• Works with advancement research to identify corporations and foundations whose program guidelines make them likely sources for support of USC's priorities.

• Builds internal relationships with faculty and staff across the university to acquire a broad and deep understanding the university's academic and research portfolio to identify strong matches with potential funders.

• Identifies, qualifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards a portfolio of top corporate and foundation prospects.

• Participates in stewardship discussions and ensures that required reporting on funded projects is completed on a timely basis.

• Drafts high-quality and timely proposals, grant requests, correspondence, impact/stewardship reports, and other documents to support best practices in corporate and foundation relations.

• Gathers and shares information about trends in corporate and foundation philanthropy which may be of value to the schools.

• Collaborates with the Central Major Gifts team, and other USC schools and units, in creating and implementing strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and financial support.

• Researches data for proposal development. Develops, prepares and presents formal fundraising proposals to corporations and foundations.

• Assume and achieve fundraising financial and activity goals set annually.

• Ensure compliance with all University fundraising policies, goals and procedures, including responsible for following all protocols for prospect and donor management established and implemented by USC Advancement.

• Represents the USC Advancement at professional and university meetings, seminars and conferences for professional development.

Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experienced corporate and foundation relations fundraising professional with a demonstrated track record of personally closing gifts of $500,000-$1M+.

• Expertise in major campaign fundraising, preferably at a complex research university.

• Excellent communication skills, including public speaking.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build bridges and strong collaborative relationships across a complex organization with astuteness and agility.

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• A valid driver's license is required; with weekend and evening work expected.
  

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's Degree; Master's Degree preferred
7 years
Combined education/experience as substitute for minimum experience.

Other Documents and Additional Information:

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

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 after six (6) months of employment; 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.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience: 5 years, Combined education/experience as substitute for minimum experience
Minimum Field of Expertise: Major campaign, fundraising, public relations and/or volunteer management experience.

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