Chief Development Officer

Position Summary

The University of Southern California seeks an accomplished advancement leader to serve as Chief Development Officer (CDO) for the USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Reporting to the Dean of the Mann School, with a dotted-line relationship to the Vice President, Health Sciences Advancement, the CDO serves as the school's senior fundraising executive and leads all aspects of its comprehensive development program. The CDO is responsible for planning, organizing, developing, implementing, and executing short- and long-term strategies to secure major, principal, and transformational gifts from individuals, alumni, foundations, corporations, and other philanthropic partners.

Working closely with the Dean, faculty, staff, volunteers, and university leadership, the CDO advances the school's strategic priorities through philanthropy. The position oversees fundraising strategy, donor engagement, stewardship, volunteer management, development operations, and staff leadership while serving as a key ambassador for the Mann School and USC.

Opportunity

The Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences offers a unique opportunity to advance one of the nation's leading pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacy programs. In addition to its nationally recognized education and research programs, the Mann School operates pharmacies on USC's University Park Campus and Health Sciences Campus, as well as the USC Pharmacy in South Los Angeles. The Chief Development Officer will help secure philanthropic support for groundbreaking research, therapeutic innovation, translational medicine, student success, and initiatives that improve health outcomes for patients and communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, implementation, and execution of comprehensive fundraising and stewardship strategies in support of the Mann School's mission and strategic priorities.
• Secure major, principal, and transformational gifts from individuals, alumni, foundations, corporations, and other philanthropic partners.
• Partner with the Dean, faculty, and university leadership to identify funding priorities and develop philanthropic opportunities aligned with institutional goals.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospective and current donors while expanding the school's donor pipeline.
• Represent the Mann School to donors, alumni, foundations, corporations, volunteers, and other key stakeholders.
• Translate complex scientific and research initiatives into compelling cases for philanthropic investment.
• Plan and direct donor visits, engagement opportunities, and special events that advance fundraising objectives.
• Develop and oversee the annual development budget and ensure effective stewardship of resources.
• Recruit, mentor, and lead development staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and inclusive team culture.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• Eight (8) years of professional experience within a university advancement/development setting
• Experience planning development efforts in support of institutional and departmental strategies, and managing and leading goal-oriented teams
• Experience in academic and/or higher education development, collaborating with prominent faculty, and a working understanding of university research units
• Demonstrated track record of success securing major gifts and meeting fundraising goals
• Exceptional communication, networking, and relationship-management skills
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Knowledge of risk management and liability issues affecting higher education

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree
• 10 years of professional experience within a university advancement/development setting
• Experience with donor/development management systems (e.g., SalesForce, DonorPerfect, Raiser's Edge NXT, eTapestry, Bloomerang, easyTithe)
• Demonstrated experience in development and/or fundraising in the Los Angeles and Greater Southern California region

Compensation

The annual base salary range for this position is $200,000-$250,000, plus a comprehensive benefits package.

The University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Job ID: REQ20176737.