Director Of Development, Corporate And Foundation Relations

Posting Summary

Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

About USC

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.

Benefits for FTE Positions

Position Description

Under limited supervision, reporting to the Executive Director for Corporate and Foundation Philanthropy, the Director of Development will be responsible for the coordination and management of a comprehensive and ongoing development program for the University of South Carolina with emphasis on Corporate and Foundation gifts of $100,000 and above. Responsibilities include active engagement internally by working with university colleagues in cultivating Corporate and Foundation relations prospective donors. Partners with colleagues to identify, cultivate and complete proposals / solicitations from corporations and Foundations. Proactively provides follow-up and stewardship on completed gifts. This position also serves as a member on the USC Development Team.

Bachelor's degree and 4 years proven experience major gift/development, donor relations, sales or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been acquired may be substituted.
Required to travel by the geographic location of donors/prospects; work evenings and weekends. Must have a valid driver's license.

Bachelor's degree and 4 years of fundraising or development experience in higher education and/or hybrid development model. Familiarity with Blackbaud CRM donor database preferred. Graduate degree preferred. Corporate and Foundations/major gifts solicitation experience is preferred.

Appropriate knowledge of principles and methods of planning and conducting a comprehensive Corporate and Foundation philanthropy fundraising program. Track record of visiting and qualifying donors/prospects. Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with faculty, alumni, donors, students, volunteers, businesses and the general public. Outstanding oral, written and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to travel, work evenings and weekends, as required. Effective computer experience including database operation and word processing.

Job Duties

Manages a portfolio of Corporate and Foundation gift prospects. Responsible for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting a gift portfolio that benefits program priorities of the University. Uses Blackbaud CRM to coordinate and document all Corporate and Foundation Relationships as well as any relevant assignment, cultivation, or solicitation information or pending opportunities.

Solicits prospective donors, including individuals, foundations, and corporations in coordination with central's office Principal Gifts program and all assigned colleges/schools. Number of solicitations are set and established by the Executive Director with consultation with the Director of Development that include individual solicitation goals. All solicitations are documented within a Plan and Opportunity in Blackbaud CRM. Establish a donor pipeline by entering all opportunities in Blackbaud CRM. Adheres to Prospect Development policies and procedures.

Meets process performance goals set and established by the Executive Director with consultation with the Director of Development that includes individual goals. These goals include a set number of personal initial visits, and solicitations, with a focus on the Top 5 gift closures selected at the beginning of the fiscal year, and tracked via the Fundraiser Dashboard through timely documentation in Blackbaud CRM. Stewardship visits are strongly encouraged.

Actively works with the Executive Director for Corporate and Foundation Philanthropy and the directors of Development for each assigned college and their respective Deans to determine appropriate fundraising priorities and needs. Builds, manages and stewards a gift portfolio of corporations and/or foundations benefitting the University, particularly the colleges to which assigned.

Serves as a member of the USC development team by collaborating with colleagues across disciplines on donor strategies. Files timely contact reports, maintains accurate records and provides updated information for electronic databases as appropriate. Serves on committees and attends staff meetings as required.

Accepts and implements other specific assignments as directed.

In collaboration with Corporate and Foundation Philanthropy team members, develops an annual plan of work, including specific fundraising and stewardship strategies, prospect research and development. Prepares reports and other required information as requested.

Position Attributes

Posting Detail Information

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. 

We are only accepting applications submitted by January 22, 2024.

The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

 Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.