Executive Director of Development, Principal Gifts

Executive Director of Development, Principal Gifts

The USC Shoah Foundation seeks a dynamic and experienced advancement professional to serve as Executive Director of Development, Principal Gifts. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for the USC Shoah Foundation, University Advancement, this individual will collaborate closely with key stakeholders to drive campaign fundraising and secure private support for the Foundation’s mission. This role is based at USC’s Capital Campus in Washington, D.C. and will lead regional fundraising initiatives in partnership with the Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer and program team located both in Washington, D.C., and the USC Main Campus in Los Angeles.

The Executive Director will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies to secure major gifts, managing a portfolio of approximately 75 high-potential prospects. With a primary focus on securing gifts of $1 million and above, this individual will strategically identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors to advance the Foundation’s priorities. It is preferred that candidates have experience raising funds from the Jewish community and have a genuine and authentic interest in the mission of the Foundation.

Candidates should have extensive experience in philanthropy within Washington, D.C., and the greater Northeast corridor and in leveraging their networks to secure private philanthropic support for the Foundation’s operational, endowment, and capital needs. This role requires expertise in principal and capital giving, along with a nuanced understanding of nonprofit institutions and the complexities of engaging diverse constituencies to secure transformational support for a globally recognized research and education institution. The ability to travel domestically and attend evening and weekend events is essential. Candidates must reside within commuting distance of the USC Capital Campus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a portfolio of approximately 75 principal gift prospects ($1 million and above) with set annual financial and activity goals.
• Partner with USC Shoah Foundation program staff to gain an understanding of the priorities and initiatives of the Foundation.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit seven- and eight-figure gifts from new constituents in the Northeast.
• 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.
• Represent USC Advancement at professional and University meetings, seminars, and conferences for professional development.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• At least eight to 10 years of experience soliciting individual donors for philanthropic gifts; experience with planned giving and capital and endowment campaigns is highly desirable.
• Possess a record of personally closing gifts of $1 million to $5 million and above.
• Familiarity working within the Jewish philanthropic community.
• Bachelor’s degree required and Master’s degree and/or relevant professional certifications preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to work collegially across University Advancement and across all areas and academic departments at USC.
• Practices a high level of integrity and honesty in maintaining confidentiality.
• Valid driver’s license is required.

The salary range for this position is $200,000–$225,000. USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff and their family with access to the renowned University medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions once you meet program's eligibility; tuition benefits for employees and their family; and free professional development online courses.

Minimum Education:
Bachelor's degree

Addtional Education Requirements
Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education

Minimum Experience:
7 years

Minimum Skills:
Major campaign, fundraising, and/or senior volunteer group management experience.


Preferred Education:
Master's degree

Preferred Experience:
10 years

                                                  

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. USC observes affirmati