Summary
Description
Seeking Applicants:
Senior Development Manager
for the Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies
The Senior Development Manager provides strategic fundraising support to the IACS President, implementing all fundraising and development activities and sustaining donor communications in order to advance the Institute’s mission to foster Catholic intellectual life, research, and dialogue. The person in this role is responsible for working with the president to design a comprehensive development plan focused on securing major gifts, building an endowment, and fostering long-term partnerships with individuals, foundations, and Catholic organizations. The successful candidate will report directly to the president and work closely with the leadership team to articulate a compelling case for supporting our mission.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Planning & Fundraising Leadership
- Develop and implement a written annual and long-term strategic fundraising plan aligned with the Institute’s academic goals and mission
- Co-design and manage a comprehensive development program, including major gifts, annual giving, foundation grants, and planned giving
- Monitor and report on annual fundraising goals to the IACS President
2. Major Gifts & Donor Cultivation
- Identify, research, and help cultivate a portfolio of high-net-worth donors, foundations, and institutional partners (typically 50-100+ prospects)
- Support the IACS President in moving prospective donors from engagement to solicitation and in planning face-to-face donor visits
- Develop compelling, mission-focused solicitation materials, proposals, and case statements for support
- Ensure timely and meaningful stewardship and communication to retain and upgrade donors
3. Institutional Advancement & Communication
- Work with staff to develop marketing materials, newsletters, and digital communications that highlight the impact of the Institute’s research
- Collaborate with the IACS President, staff, and Board to identify and secure funding for specific research projects, endowments, operating funds, and academic events
- Serve as an occasional ambassador for the Institute at academic conferences, Catholic events, and community gatherings
4. Team Leadership & Management
- Collaborate constructively with Institute staff and consultants (as applicable)
- Oversee database management to ensure accurate donor records, tracking, and reporting
- Track and help manage the development budget, ensuring cost-effective, high-impact activities
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree required. Preferred: Master’s degree in theology, non-profit management, higher ed leadership, business administration, or similar field
- Experience: A minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in fundraising, with a proven track record supporting institutional advancement; exceptional candidate may be considered with less experience
- Catholic identity: A deep understanding of the mission of Catholic higher education and the intellectual tradition of the Church. Preferred: practicing Catholic and commitment to the mission of Catholic higher education
- Skills:
- Exceptional interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, with the ability to understand and articulate IACS’ mission, the role of Catholic ideas in that mission, and the Institute’s specific vision
- Proficiency in fundraising database management (e.g., AirTable, Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce, or similar)
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse constituencies, including scholars, clergy, and lay donors from the Catholic and other traditions
- Spanish or other 2nd language proficiency preferred
- Other: Occasionally–ability to travel for donor meetings and work some evenings/weekends
Compensation and Benefits
- $85,000-$110,000 full-time
- This position is not eligible for benefits at this time. A supplemental stipend in lieu of some benefits may be negotiable for the selected candidate
- How to Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume with 3 references, and salary requirements to iacs@dornsife.usc.edu. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
