Leadership Gift Strategy Officer

Logo: Posting Number:STA00897PO25Job Family:Alumni Relations and DevelopmentJob Function:DevelopmentUSC Market Title:Leadership Gift Strategy OfficerLink to USC Market Title:https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/197546Job Level:P4 - ProfessionalBusiness Title (Internal Title):Leadership Gift Strategy OfficerCampus:ColumbiaWork County:RichlandCollege/Division:Division of DevelopmentDepartment:DEV Development ServicesState Pay Band:9Approved Starting Salary:$87,231Advertised Salary Range:$87,231 - commensurate with qualificationsLocation of Vacancy:Columbia, SCPart/Full Time:Full TimeHours per Week:37.5Work Schedule:Standard working schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pmMust be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.Basis :12 monthsJob Search Category:Alumni DevelopmentAbout University of South Carolina: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.Veterans' Preference Statement:The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.Advertised Job Summary:Under limited supervision, reporting to the Vice President for the Division of Development (Vice President), the Leadership Gift Strategy Officer (Officer) administers Leadership Gift Prospect Plans (LGPs) for the university’s top prospects, ensuring that each plan is active, coordinated, and progressing in alignment with institutional priorities. While the Vice President, AVPs and unit-based directors of development serve as the primary relationship managers, this role plays a critical facilitative function—supporting the execution of complex strategies and fostering collaboration across campus partners to advance transformational philanthropic opportunities.This position is responsible for auditing and tracking the Top 100+ leadership gift prospect plans, facilitating biweekly strategy meetings, and supporting weekly donor engagement discussions with the Vice President. The Officer works in close partnership with the President’s Office to prepare donor briefings, coordinate event logistics, and manage presidential donor interactions. The role also collaborates extensively with development and advancement teams and AVPs across the Division of Development—including Advancement Services, Donor Relations, Communications and Marketing—to ensure alignment and execution of donor strategies. Additionally, the position manages budgetary processes in partnership with the Division’s Finance related to leadership gift prospect and donor events and, in partnership with Advancement Services and prospect managers, maintains CRM integrity to support strategic decision-making.Success in this role requires exceptional communication and collaboration skills, meticulous attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the university’s development ecosystem. The Officer must be proactive, tenacious, and highly organized, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders and top university donors, and to serve as a trusted partner in the coordination of high-level philanthropic engagement.Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience:Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job-related field and 4 or more years of job-related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job-related certification, training, education, and/or experience. Flexibility to travel and work evenings and weekends as required.Preferred Qualifications:Education:A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Business, Communications, Public Relations, or a related discipline. A master’s degree is preferred.Experience:At least 7–10 years of experience in fundraising, development, or a related field, with a proven track record of securing major gifts.Experience working with high net-worth individuals and managing relationships with top-level donors.Previous experience in a higher education setting is highly desirable.Skills:Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.Outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.Strong strategic planning and project management abilities.Proficiency in using fundraising databases and other relevant software.Ability to work independentlyAbility to inspire partnerships between individuals and departments.Attributes:High level of professionalism, tact, diplomacy, and discretion.Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to engage with individuals at all levels.A deep understanding of and commitment to the mission and goals of the University of South Carolina.Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:Strategic Administrative CoordinationAbility to manage complex workflows and coordinate across multiple stakeholders.Skilled in organizing high-level meetings, preparing materials, and ensuring follow-through on strategic initiatives.Relationship Management and Professional PresenceDemonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships with senior leadership, development officers, and external stakeholders.Comfortable representing the division in high-profile settings and facilitating donor engagement logistics.Communication and Interpersonal SkillsExceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft clear summaries, briefing documents, and correspondence.Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate sensitive donor-related conversations and maintain confidentiality.Attention to Detail and Follow-ThroughHigh level of accuracy in tracking donor plans, updating CRM records, and managing event logistics.Persistent and proactive in ensuring tasks are completed and plans remain on track.Data and Systems ProficiencyProficient in using CRM systems (preferably in a higher education or nonprofit setting) to track donor engagement and plan progress.Comfortable working with spreadsheets, databases, and reporting tools to monitor activity and outcomes.Budget and Event CoordinationBasic understanding of budget processes, including tracking expenditures and coordinating payments.Experience supporting event planning and execution, particularly in donor or executive-level contexts.Institutional Knowledge and DiscretionFamiliarity with university advancement structures and the role of leadership gifts in fundraising strategy.Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in all interactions.Job Duty:Leadership Gift Prospect (LGP) Plan AdministrationConduct ongoing audits of Top 100 LGP plans to ensure accuracy, alignment, and strategic focus.Administer and monitor the progress of LGP plans, ensuring timely updates and movement through the donor cultivation cycle.Maintain proactive communication with Directors of Development (DODs) to reinforce plan milestones, deadlines, and next steps.Serve as the central point of contact for internal and external stakeholder requests related to LGP plan engagement, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.Track and report quarterly gift closures, identifying trends and opportunities for enhanced donor strategy.Sustain relationships with top-tier donors to support continuity in engagement and facilitate strategic actions outlined in individual donor plans.Essential Function:YesPercentage of Time:30%Job Duty:Coordination of Biweekly LGP Strategy MeetingLead the logistical planning and preparation for execution of biweekly LGP plan strategy meetings, ensuring appropriate stakeholder participation.Develop and distribute meeting agendas that reflect current priorities and donor movement.Prepare comprehensive donor profiles and briefing materials to support informed discussion and decision-making.Document meeting outcomes, including action items and strategic recommendations, for timely follow-up and CRM integration.Essential Function:YesPercentage of Time:20%Job Duty:Post-Meeting Follow-up and CRM ManagementDeliver concise meeting summaries to attendees within 24 hours, highlighting key decisions and assigned actions.Ensure immediate and accurate updates to CRM records following each meeting to maintain data integrity and support donor strategy.Execute administrative follow-up tasks, including scheduling, document preparation, and stakeholder communication, to advance meeting outcomes.Essential Function:YesPercentage of Time:20%Job Duty:Weekly VP Strategy Meeting CoordinationPrepare and present a comprehensive review of the full LGP plan portfolio for weekly strategic discussions with the Vice President.Track and manage donor engagement requests from university partners, including the President’s Office, Athletics, Alumni Association, and academic units.Maintain and update the Vice President’s donor-related action list, ensuring timely execution and stakeholder accountability.Facilitate donor follow-up and coordinate cross-campus engagement to support cultivation and stewardship efforts.Essential Function:YesPercentage of Time:20%Job Duty:Budget and Administrative SupportManage budget requests and approvals for Leadership Gift prospect- and donor-related events involving the University President, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.Coordinate payment processing and reconciliation in collaboration with the Division’s Finance team, the Office of Donor Relations, Communications and Marketing, and the University Office of Special Events.Maintain accurate records of expenditures and funding sources to support financial transparency and reporting.Essential Function:YesPercentage of Time:5%Job Duty:Other job duties as required or assigned.Essential Function:NoPercentage of Time:5%Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive:NoHazardous weather category:Non-EssentialNumber of Vacancies:1Desired Start Date:02/02/2026Job Open Date:11/12/2025Job Close Date:12/10/2025Open Until Filled:NoSpecial Instructions to Applicant: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 December 10, 2025.The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to: Health and Life InsuranceRetirement ProgramsPaid TuitionDependent ScholarshipsAnnual LeaveSick Leave13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)Paid Parental LeaveProfessional Development Opportunities Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.Quicklink for Posting:https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/197670EEO Statement: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.