Director of Foundation Relations

University of Southern California (USC)

Los Angeles, CA - Downtown

Director of Foundation Relations

USC Health Sciences Advancement is seeking a Director of Foundation Relations. The Director will report directly to the Assistant Vice President, Health Sciences Advancement. The Foundation Relations team is tasked with raising support from local and national foundations/philanthropies in support of the tripartite mission of academic medicine, including research, patient care and education. This particular Foundation Relations position will have a focus and emphasis on raising support for the basic sciences, a priority initiative across the health sciences enterprise. The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating activities, developing strategies, building relationships and raising funds from foundations. 

Responsibilities:

• Partners with Foundation Relations team, development officers and faculty to increase support and raise funds from foundations by developing strategies to strengthen relationships with current prospects and to identify and build relationships with new prospects.

• Works together with Assistant Vice President, Health Sciences Development, to develop an annual foundation 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 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 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 foundation relations.

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

• Collaborates with the health sciences advancement 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 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 both USC and Health Sciences Advancement.

• Represents Health Sciences 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 foundation relations fundraising professional with a demonstrated track record of personally closing gifts of $500,000-$1M+, ideally focused in the basic, health and life sciences.

• Expertise in major campaign fundraising, preferably at a complex research university and/or in medical or academic development.

• Strong understanding of the issues, nuances and needs of research, teaching and clinical operations in a complex health sciences research and/or university environment.

• 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.

Follows established USC and department policies, procedures, objectives, performance improvement, attendance, safety, environmental, and infection control guidelines, including adherence to the workplace Code of Conduct and Compliance Plan. Practices a high level of integrity and honesty in maintaining confidentiality.

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 online professional development classes; discounts to football, basketball & other campus events.

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.

Apply Online:

https://usc.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/ExternalUSCCareers/job/Los-Angeles-CA---Downtown/Director-of-Foundation-Relations_REQ20101294-1                                 

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