Assistant Director of Annual Giving

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 a great place to work.

As a community of Dornsife College “we are committed to the creation, preservation, and communication of fundamental knowledge in all its forms…as well as a lifelong passion for learning and a commitment to the betterment of society.” The academic mission of Dornsife College can only be realized to its fullest potential when we build and protect a representative, equitable, inclusive culture of scholarship for students, faculty, and staff. This is not done through initiatives but by embedding these values into the everyday interactions, relationships, policies, and practices of the College. What is required is a seamless integration of the tenets of equity and inclusivity into every facet of academic life. If we want our scholars, staff, and students to be able to give their very best, we must create an academic environment that portends success.

Success is possible when every member of the Dornsife community owns their role as a steward of the culture in which we learn, research, and work; when we believe that it is because of who we are that we are able to do what we do: achieve excellence, together.

Achieving a robust and inclusive academic culture requires more than just the completion of a task, but includes that person’s capacity to contribute positively to the relationships and culture of their office or department. Therefore, any applicant seeking to advance the mission of Dornsife College should also be assessed on their capacities beyond the technical elements of their work, and demonstrate an understanding of their impact on others, and to articulate how they contribute positively to those around them.

Assistant Director of Annual Giving
USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

The University of Southern California (USC) is one of the world’s leading private research universities. Anchored in Los Angeles—a global hub for arts, technology, and international business—USC offers diverse, interdisciplinary opportunities that inspire collaboration with top researchers in advanced learning environments. Guided by the mission to “develop human beings and society through the cultivation and enrichment of the human mind and spirit,” USC is committed to excellence and innovation.

As USC’s oldest and largest school, the Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences serves as the academic heart of the university. USC Dornsife is leading a bold transformation in higher education, pioneering a new model for elite research universities by engaging scholars, students, and leaders from public and private sectors to tackle society’s toughest challenges. Joining USC Dornsife means being part of a vibrant team dedicated to making a global impact.

The Assistant Director of Annual Giving plays a key role in advancing USC Dornsife’s comprehensive fundraising program. Reporting to the Executive Director of Annual Leadership Giving, this individual will collaborate with advancement teams across USC to support initiatives in annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, reunions, and donor stewardship.

The Assistant Director will manage a portfolio of annual leadership-level donors (giving capacity of $1,000+), develop and execute direct mail, e-solicitation, and Giving Day campaigns, and provide strategic fundraising support for USC Dornsife departments, centers, and institutes.

This is a hybrid, full-time position.

Key Responsibilities

• Fundraising Leadership: Plan, organize, and execute initiatives to expand the annual donor base and generate critical revenue for USC Dornsife’s priorities.
• Donor Engagement: Manage a portfolio of donors, cultivating relationships and securing gifts of $1,000 or more.
• Campaign Development: Create content, messaging, and branding aligned with strategic goals; oversee direct mail, e-solicitations, and Giving Day campaigns.
• Strategic Partnerships: Build strong relationships with donors, faculty, staff, and university partners to enhance collaboration and support.
• Data-Driven Insights: Conduct campaign performance analyses and market assessments to inform strategy and improve results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Proven success in project management and multitasking in high-volume, results-driven environments.
• Exceptional communication, writing, and organizational skills with acute attention to detail.
• Creativity in crafting impactful messages and marketing collateral.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, donor cultivation, and stewardship.
• Familiarity with data analysis and campaign evaluation.

Salary range: The annual base salary range for this position is $80,968 - $90,657. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Why Join Us?

Be a part of an inspiring mission to transform lives and solve global challenges. As Assistant Director of Annual Giving, you’ll make a direct impact by advancing education, research, and philanthropic initiatives at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions. Together, we’ll create a brighter future.

• Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file).
• Job openings are posted for a minimum of (5) five business days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended, so please apply on the same business day if interested.
• 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 after six months of employment; tuition benefits for staff and their family; free Professional Development classes; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses and free tram pick up services; discounts to sporting and other campus events.

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

The University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer that Values Diversity.