Senior Director of Development, Corporate Relations
University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
Senior Director of Development, Corporate Relations
Department: DEV Corporate & Fnd Relations
Part/Full Time: Full Time
Advertised Job Summary
Under limited supervision, reporting to the Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Corporate and Foundation Relations, the Senior Director of Development (Senior Director) for Corporate Relations (CFR) will plan, coordinate, and manage a comprehensive and ongoing development program for the University of South Carolina. The focus will be corporate gifts of $100K and above, as well as overseeing CFR’s coordination with college/unit colleagues regarding corporate gifts, grants, sponsorships, and strategic partnership activities. Responsibilities include managing directors of development, engaging externally through creative discovery and outreach for corporate and foundation gifts, supporting corporate and foundation strategies for the CFR team’s collaboration with colleges and units, and cultivating corporate and foundation prospective donors. The position will partner with colleagues to identify, cultivate, and complete proposals and solicitations from companies and foundations and will provide follow‑up and stewardship on completed gifts. This role is part of the University Development team and operates within the system and procedures of USC Development to ensure consistent and well‑coordinated activities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree and 5 years proven experience in major gift/development in higher education and/or hybrid development model.
- Previous campaign experience.
- Corporate and foundations/major gifts solicitation experience, and a graduate degree are preferred.
Knowledge
- Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and methodologies involved in planning, implementing, and managing a robust corporate and foundation relations (CFR) program.
- Strong understanding of fundraising strategies, donor engagement cycles, gift cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, particularly within higher education.
- Familiarity with development operations, including prospect research, pipeline management, and performance metrics.
- Thorough knowledge of database systems used in advancement operations, including CRM platforms such as Blackbaud CRM.
- Knowledge of organizational management and staff development principles, including training, mentorship, and performance evaluation.
Skills
- Demonstrated skill in identifying, visiting, qualifying, and cultivating corporate and foundation prospects with a consistent record of securing philanthropic support.
- Advanced writing and communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling proposals, reports, and donor correspondence.
- Strong oral and interpersonal communication skills for engaging effectively with faculty, academic leadership, donors, volunteers, and external partners.
- Skilled in managing, developing, and motivating staff, particularly Directors of Development and administrative support personnel, to achieve strategic fundraising goals.
- Proficient in the use of computer systems and software applications relevant to fundraising operations, including CRM databases, word processing, and analytics tools.
Abilities
- Ability to build, maintain, and strengthen productive working relationships with internal and external constituents, including faculty, administrators, alumni, companies, and foundations.
- Ability to cultivate and steward philanthropic relationships at all levels, demonstrating professionalism, discretion, and strategic judgment.
- Ability to develop effective fundraising strategies, assess program performance, and implement process improvements.
- Ability to work collaboratively across diverse academic units and administrative teams to support university‑wide development goals.
- Ability to represent the institution with credibility and build relationships with leaders from a wide range of industries and professions.
- Ability to organize and manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and maintain high‑quality documentation and reporting.
Job Close Date: 05/18/2026
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.