University of Southern California

Senior Director of Principal Gifts, USC Athletics

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University Park, CA, USA

In-Office

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The Role

Senior Director of Principal Gifts, USC Athletics

University Advancement is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven, results-oriented fundraising professional to serve as Senior Director of Principal Gifts, USC Athletics. This is a senior frontline fundraising leader responsible for securing transformational philanthropic support for one of the nation’s premier athletics programs.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Principal Gifts and serving as a senior member of the principal gifts team, this individual will play a highly visible, donor-facing role focused on cultivating, soliciting, and closing six and seven-figure gifts ($1M+) to advance the strategic priorities of USC Athletics. This role also serves as a strategic partner to Athletics and Advancement leadership on principal gift strategy and donor engagement.

The Senior Director will thrive on building authentic relationships, designing and driving thoughtful solicitation strategies, and delivering on ambitious fundraising goals that directly enhance the student-athlete experience, support facility improvements, and strengthen USC’s leadership in collegiate athletics.

This is a compelling opportunity for an experienced fundraising professional who excels in a fast-paced athletics environment, is driven by measurable outcomes, and is passionate about building meaningful connections between donors and impact.

This role has been elevated to reflect the strategic scope and impact of the position within USC Athletics.

This is a hybrid position under USC’s current work arrangement plan. Evenings, weekends, and travel are required for this position.

University Advancement is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all, where 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.

Key responsibilities include the following:

Principal Gift Fundraising & Strategy – 50%

Serve as a senior frontline principal gift officer, managing a portfolio of high-capacity, principal gift prospects with the capacity to give $1M+
Lead all stages of the donor lifecycle from identification and cultivation to solicitation and stewardship, with a focus on securing transformational gifts
Design and drive customized, data-informed strategies that align donor interests with USC Athletics priorities
Partner closely with the Athletics Chief Development Officer, Major Gifts team, and University Advancement to develop compelling proposals and gift opportunities that inspire significant philanthropic investment
Own and deliver on ambitious performance metrics, including annual visit, solicitation, and revenue goals
Initiate and maintain a high volume of strategic donor engagement, both locally and regionally, to deepen relationships and advance gift conversations
Travel and attend marquee games and events to build meaningful connections with donors and prospects while representing USC with professionalism and pride
Contribute to the development of principal gifts strategy and priorities for USC Athletics

Donor and Volunteer Engagement – 20%

Engage and inspire alumni, parents, and friends of USC Athletics through events, game-day experiences, and regional programs that deepen connection and philanthropic commitment
Partner with Advancement Communications and Athletics staff to deliver personalized, high-impact donor experiences that clearly demonstrate impact and stewardship
Collaborate with USC’s Advancement Communications department to develop fundraising materials that elevate visibility and donor engagement
Provide leadership and guidance to volunteer groups supporting fundraising efforts
Ensure Athletics Advancement events and activities are executed with excellence and aligned with strategic priorities

Fundraising Operations & Program Evaluation – 15%

Participate in Athletics and Advancement staff meetings to ensure strong alignment between development strategy and programmatic priorities
Contribute to the development of fundraising goals, policies, and long-term strategies
Assess and evaluate fundraising programs and events, identifying opportunities for increased effectiveness and recommending strategic enhancements
Coordinate donor strategies with peers across campus to ensure a cohesive, institution-wide approach to relationship management

Proposal Development, Analysis and Reporting – 15%

Research and develop tailored proposals for major and principal gift donors, translating USC Athletics’ strategic priorities into compelling philanthropic opportunities that inspire transformational giving (10%)
Prepare and analyze development reports, evaluate donor engagement trends, measure progress toward fundraising goals, and inform future strategy to strengthen USC Athletics’ competitive position (5%)

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree (or combined experience/education as a substitute)
Minimum of five (5) years of professional fundraising experience, preferably in higher education, athletics, or related nonprofit environments
Demonstrated track record of success securing campaign, major and principal gifts and meeting fundraising goals
Exemplary interpersonal skills for communicating for “cold calling,” exceptional relationship-building skills, with demonstrated success engaging high-level donors and stakeholders, and being particularly sensitive to varied, sophisticated, high-net worth individuals and groups
Ability to manage, balance and prioritize different tasks and projects
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree
Seven (7) or more years of relevant experience in development or advancement leadership roles
Strong understanding of intercollegiate athletics, donor motivations, and the role of philanthropy in sports programs
Experience with donor/development management systems (e.g., Salesforce, DonorPerfect, Raiser’s Edge NXT, eTapestry, Bloomerang, easyTithe)

Required Documents and Additional Information

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

The budgeted salary range for this position is $130,000 - $150,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

To support faculty and staff well-being, USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of benefits and perks to help protect their and their dependents’ health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of USC’s total rewards package.

Minimum Education:
Bachelor's degree
Addtional Education Requirements
Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience:
5 years
Minimum Skills:
Major campaign, fundraising, public relations and/or volunteer management experience.
Preferred Education:
Master's degree
Preferred Experience:
7 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 affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at [email protected]. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.