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Philanthropy Officer - Special Initiatives and Engagement - Foundation - Full Time 8 Hours Day (Non-Union, Exempt)

University of Southern California

Arcadia, CAFull-time$100–165K/yrSeen 2mo agoSeen in employer's feed 6 days ago

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At a glance

Compensation
$100–165K/yr
Location
Arcadia, CA
Schedule
Full-time
Work Authorization
Not specified

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Requirements

Credentials this posting asks for.

Associate's degree

Job overview

University of Southern California is hiring a Philanthropy Officer - Special Initiatives and Engagement - Foundation - Full Time 8 Hours Day (Non-Union, Exempt). The Philanthropy Officer (Special Initiatives & Engagement) at USC’s foundation drives operational excellence for high‑touch events and donor cultivation. Focused on elite guest experiences, the role plans signature celebrations, manages board engagements, oversees budgets, and translates event interactions into major‑gift pipelines, collaborating across communications, programs, and finance to deliver impactful philanthropic outcomes.

Key focus areas include Concept and lead salon‑style events for 20–50 guests, Manage critical path for signature events and special initiatives, and Ensure elite guest experience throughout all touchpoints.

Successful candidates bring Associate’s Degree, 5-7 Years Fundraising Experience, and English Proficiency. Important skills include Microsoft Office, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Communication, and English Proficiency. Preferred (not required): Event Planning, Project Management, Budget Management, and Zero‑Based Budgeting.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Microsoft OfficeMicrosoft WordExcelOutlookCommunicationEnglish ProficiencyMicrosoft OutlookEvent PlanningProject ManagementBudget ManagementZero‑Based BudgetingCost‑Benefit AnalysisRevenue TrackingExpense ReconciliationStrategic StorytellingCritical Path MethodContingency PlanningCross‑Departmental CoordinationData IntegrityCRM Management

Qualifications

Associate’s DegreeMaster’s Degree5–7 Years Fundraising ExperienceEnglish Proficiency

Full job description

JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES

  1. Special Initiatives, Signature Events & "Salon" Strategy• Intimate Gatherings: Concept and lead "salon-style" events (typically 20–50 guests) in unique private settings to spark curiosity and build relationships without immediate solicitation.• Signature Production: Manage the "critical path" for special initiatives such as the 125 Years celebration, larger signature events, overseeing everything from high-level logistics to the donor-centric run-of-show.• Guest Experience: Ensure every touchpoint—from valet to follow-up notes—reflects an "elite" standard of hospitality.• 2. Board Engagement & Leadership Support• Board Stewardship: Serve as the primary development liaison for managing and coordinating board meetings.• Meeting Management: Collaborate with executive leadership to plan and execute impactful board meetings, ensuring that philanthropic goals remain central to the agenda.• Committee Leadership: Lead volunteer committees focused on specific special initiatives or event sponsorship goals.• 3. Portfolio Management & Special Initiatives• Moves Management: Transition event attendees into long-term major gift pipelines through rapid, personalized follow-up and "discovery visits".• Strategic Storytelling: Work with marketing to create bespoke materials and "impact reports" that articulate the unique value of special initiatives to high-net-worth individuals.• 4. Budgetary Oversight & Financial Stewardship• Zero-Based Budgeting: Develop and manage comprehensive budgets for each signature event and salon, ensuring everydollar is allocated to maximize "Return on Event" (ROE).• Cost-Benefit Analysis: Evaluate vendor bids (catering, venues, AV) to balance elite quality with fiscal responsibility, ensuring donor funds are used efficiently.• Revenue Tracking & Projections: Provide real-time financial updates to leadership, tracking sponsorship pledges vs. actuals and managing event-related tax receipting.• Expense Reconcilement: Meticulously track all event-related invoices and staff reimbursements, adhering strictly to organizational audit standards.• 5. Strategic Planning & Project Management• The "Critical Path" Method: Create and maintain detailed project timelines (6–12 months out) with clear milestones formarketing, invitations, and program development.• Contingency Planning: Proactively identify risks—such as speaker cancellations or weather issues—and develop "Plan B" scenarios to ensure seamless execution.• Cross-Departmental Synergy: Coordinate with the Communications, Programs, and Finance teams to ensure event messaging is accurate and logistics are supported organization-wide.• 6. Precision Coordination & Attention to Detail• Briefing Documents: Prepare "Gold Standard" briefing memos for Board members and Executives, including guest bios, talking points, and specific "moves management" goals for each attendee.• Atmospheric Detail: Oversee the "look and feel" of meetings, gatherings, etc.—from the weight of the invitation cardstock to the lighting and acoustic quality of a private room—to ensure a premium donor experience.• Data Integrity: Ensure every guest interaction, dietary preference, and follow-up promise is accurately recorded in the CRM within 48 hours of an initiative's conclusion.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education: Associate’s Degree College level education

Preferred Education: Master's Degree

Minimum Experience: 5-7 years Fundraising experience

Minimum Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook).Must have excellent communication skills, including the ability to speak, read and write English proficiently.

Pay Transparency

The salary rate range for this position is $99,507 - $164,559 annual. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California Arcadia Hospital considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, State, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations

JOB SUMMARY This role is focused on operational excellence with high-touch and relationship management that bridges the gap between high-level event production and major gift development. The Philanthropy Officer (Special Initiatives & Engagement) is responsible for creating and executing high-impact environments to cultivate new prospects and deepen donor involvement.

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