The Director of Foundation Relations is responsible for building partnerships with foundations that produce grants, research awards, and research collaborations to support a wide range of priorities in USC Viterbi School of Engineering, including faculty, departmental and program needs. The position requires excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, solid knowledge of the discipline of engineering and engineering education, as well as the ability to work collaboratively across disciplinary and interdisciplinary lines, and to interact successfully with a diverse constituency of varying abilities, backgrounds, interests and beliefs. The position reports directly to Viterbiâs Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations and will work with USC Central Advancementâs foundation relations to develop and present proposals to foundations. The position is set for an initial 2-year fixed-term.
Job Accountabilities:
The Director will work with the Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, in coordination with the USC Central Advancement organization, to develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising campaign plan targeting local as well as national foundations in alignment with the Schoolâs broad range of programs and initiatives.Â
Work with the Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations to establish annual fundraising goals from foundations. Actively participate in the development, implementation, monitoring and assessment of strategies to achieve goals.
Carry a portfolio of foundations and other non-profit prospects and work closely with the Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations to identify, research, and set strategies for foundations that are likely prospects for USC Viterbiâs initiatives. Apply knowledge of initiatives to identify and target prospects.
Assess, analyze and evaluate fundraising programs to identify issues or need for change and provides recommendations for modifications or adjustments.
Ensure an effective stewardship plan for foundation donors that is functional, systematically implemented and uses university best practices. Manage annual recurring foundation proposals and grant reports.
Efficiently and effectively bring proposals to successful closure.
Support visits to campus by foundations, and ensure that these visits and conference calls are planned and executed professionally. Utilize foundation visits and other meetings to get to know Viterbi Engineeringâs faculty and their research interests.
Perform duties in compliance with university fundraising policies, goals, and procedures.Â
Develop proposals for corporate relations under the direction of the corporate relations officers when time is available. Develop proposals for high priority individuals when time is available.
Provide writing and editing for CFR communications, including letters, emails, informational documents, and more. Insure that CFR messaging is clear, precise, and compelling.
Liaise with academic departments, advancement organization and business affairs to ensure that funds from non-profit organizations are correctly processed.
Contribute to Advancement events and activities as required.
Position Qualifications & Requirements:Â
Experienced in foundation relationships, fundraising and campaigns
Excellent communication skills, including public speaking and fundraising proposal writing.Â
Ability to conduct research on foundations that can be used in targeting proposalsÂ
Outstanding interpersonal skills, a high-energy level and the ability to effectively communicate with engineering faculty members are required.
Ability to actively listen to foundation representatives and faculty with a technical focus, identify areas of common interest, and articulate a compelling case for the School of Engineering.
An appreciation for new technologies and their role in society, however, a technical background is not required
Self-starter with strong organization and analytical skills.
Highly motivated professional with solid success at achieving or surpassing ambitious fundraising targets.Â
Position is fixed-term for two years
Required application documents:
- Cover letter explaining why you are interested in this position
- Resume/CV
Only complete applications including these attachments will be given consideration.
Minimum Education:Bachelor's DegreeCombined experience/education as substitute for minimum educationMinimum Experience:5 yearsCombined education/experience as substitute for minimum experienceMinimum Field of Expertise:Major campaign, fundraising, public relations and/or volunteer management experience.
Internal Number: REQ20083349
About USC
USC is the leading private research university in Los Angeles—a global center for arts, technology and international business. With more than 47,500 students, we are located primarily in Los Angeles but also in various US and global satellite locations. As the largest private employer in Los Angeles, responsible for $8 billion annually in economic activity in the region, we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse environment, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills across a variety of academic and professional schools and administrative units. As a USC employee and member of the Trojan Family—the faculty, staff, students, and alumni who make USC a great place to work—you will enjoy excellent benefits, including a variety of well-being programs designed to help individuals achieve work-life balance.
