Executive Director of Advancement

About this role

The Executive Director of Advancement will lead fundraising efforts and enhance philanthropic support for the USC School of Cinematic Arts (SCA). In this pivotal role, the Executive Director will oversee a team of employees which will collaborate to execute sophisticated fundraising plans aimed at identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors to SCA.

As a key member of the Cinematic Arts Advancement Leadership team, the Executive Director will report to the Senior Associate Dean of Advancement and serve as an advisor in the design of the fundraising infrastructure, including the School’s 100th Anniversary campaign. The Executive Director will play a central role in driving initiatives for major and principal gifts, particularly with SCA Alumni. Leveraging expertise in fundraising strategy and relationship management, the Executive Director will work closely with stakeholders across the School and the University to develop and implement strategies that align with its mission and priorities toward a shared vision and goals.

Under the general supervision of the Senior Associate Dean, the Executive Director will manage the daily activities of the alumni relations and annual giving programs and team members; develop strategies for related events, programs, and communications; oversee an alumni leadership council; personally cultivate, solicit and secure major and principal gifts; and support the Offices of the Dean and Advancement. 

This is a high-profile position requiring a strong entrepreneurial spirit; a keen interest in and experience within the entertainment industry and ideally, with the SCA Alumni Community; an ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and outside constituencies; an ability to be flexible and seize opportunities as they develop; and proven fundraising ability with strong relationship management skills. Applicants should be able to demonstrate a history of success in their prior field/position, with a special focus on success in designing, implementing, and administering innovative programs that require creative solutions and energized problem-solving approaches within the fundraising arena.

Job Responsibilities: • Identifies, cultivates, manages and solicits a portfolio of major gift prospects. Develops strategies for participation at all levels of the gift pyramid. Has a successful record of achieving fundraising goals and closing gifts of $1M+. • Works with the Dean, Chief Advancement Officer, and faculty and staff to help develop SCA’s fundraising goals, priorities, and short and long-term strategies. Assesses, analyzes, and evaluates fundraising programs, specialized projects, or major events. Identifies problem areas or needs for change and provides recommendations for modifications or adjustments. • Regularly drafts or edits major gift proposals and case statements, donor materials and correspondence, and strategic marketing materials for a variety of fundraising initiatives. Develops and coordinates with the School’s communications and other staff and faculty in the production of these materials, both written and audio-visual.

• Prepares regular briefing documents and development reports assessing progress toward achievement of goals. Analyzes and evaluates information to identify trends and patterns, and makes recommendations. Attends school prospect pipeline/strategy review sessions. • Researches data and information for proposal development and keeps current on major school activities and projects along with general needs of alumni and other constituents.   • Participates in the development of school or department fiscal year operating budget. Develops and manages programs and/or event budgets.

• Direct supervision of team members including the Directors of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations. • Oversees SCA events as required based on alumni relations and annual giving program needs. • Performs other duties as assigned in support of SCA’s mission.

Minimum Qualifications: • Minimum Education:  Bachelor's degree • Combined experience/education as a substitute for minimum education • Minimum Experience: 7 years, including 5 years management experience • Minimum Skills: Major campaign, fundraising, public relations, and/or volunteer management experience. • Experience within and an understanding of the entertainment industry

Preferred Qualifications: • Experienced senior fundraising professional with 10 years or more experience and a demonstrated track record of personally closing gifts of $1M+. • Expertise in major campaign fundraising within the entertainment industry, preferably at a complex research university. Successful experience in conceptualizing a comprehensive strategy for institutional advancement. • Experience as a member of and/or an understanding of the School of Cinematic Arts Alumni Community • Solid relationship-building skills, ability to interface with donors, leading faculty, administrators, board members, trustees, and cross-campus partners. • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking and fundraising proposal writing/editing. • Experience in managing Alumni Relations and Annual Giving programs and events. • Oversight and management of a volunteer board or council • Strategic, creative thinking to maximize the growth of the School’s donor base • Demonstrated ability to adapt, manage and implement change; and flexibility to thrive in a fast-paced, complex environment • Enjoys engaging with donors in their philanthropic pursuits • Demonstrated technical proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and skill in managing databases as well as prospect contact documentation and portfolios. • A valid driver’s license is required; with weekend and evening work expected. • A Master's degree.

The salary range for this position is $151,435 - $180,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope

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