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University of South Carolina

Senior Director for Economic Engagement and Development for University Initiatives

🇺🇸 Columbia, SC

🕑 Full-Time

💰 TBD

💻 Other

🗓️ July 28th, 2025

Blackbaud CRM K-12

Edtech.com's Summary

University of South Carolina is hiring a Senior Director for Economic Engagement and Development for University Initiatives. The role involves leading fundraising efforts for university-wide initiatives and fostering economic collaborations with industry, government, and community partners to align with institutional goals. The Senior Director manages major gift solicitations, cultivates stakeholder relationships, and ensures strategic alignment across university divisions for philanthropy and economic development.

Highlights
  • Lead fundraising for scholarships, military/veteran programs, and strategic university initiatives.
  • Manage major gift solicitations exceeding $100,000 and develop donor pipelines using Blackbaud CRM.
  • Serve as strategic liaison between university leadership and external stakeholders such as business leaders and government officials.
  • Develop and execute economic development initiatives in collaboration with university units and external partners.
  • Requires experience with CRM software in fundraising environments, specifically Blackbaud CRM.
  • Bachelor's degree plus 5 years of experience in major gift development, donor relations, or sales.
  • Proven success soliciting six-figure philanthropic commitments and working with senior leadership and boards.
  • Must demonstrate strategic thinking, diplomacy, and ability to navigate large, complex organizations.
  • Role includes travel to donor/prospect locations and occasional evening or weekend work.
  • Works under the Office of Economic Engagement, reporting jointly to Vice Presidents for Economic Development and Development & Campaign Director.

Senior Director for Economic Engagement and Development for University Initiatives Full Description

Senior Director for Economic Engagement and Development for University Initiatives

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 August 1, 2025.

Logo  |
Posting Number  | STA00612PO25
Job Family  |
Job Function  |
USC Market Title  | Administrator
Link to USC Market Title  | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/8194
Job Level  |
Business Title (Internal Title)  | Senior Director for Economic Engagement and Development for University Initiatives
Campus  | Columbia
Work County  | Richland
College/Division  | Office of Economic Engagement
Department  | Office of Economic Engagement
State Pay Band  | Unclassified
Approved Starting Salary  | Salary commensurate with qualifications (00)
Advertised Salary Range  | Salary commensurate with qualifications
Location of Vacancy  | Columbia, SC
Part/Full Time  | Full Time
Hours per Week  | 37.5
Work Schedule  | Standard work hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30am-5:00pm with one hour for lunch. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule as needed.
Basis  | 12 months
Job Search Category  | Alumni Development
 About USC 
About 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.
 
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.

 Position Description 
Advertised Job Summary  | Under limited supervision and reporting jointly to the Vice President for Economic Development and the Senior Associate Vice President for Development and Campaign Director, the Senior Director for Economic Engagement and Development for University Initiatives (Senior Director) serves as a strategic liaison between the University and key external stakeholders. This position is uniquely positioned to advance both philanthropic and economic development goals by leveraging stakeholder relationships to secure major gifts (at the $100,000+ level) while also fostering partnerships that support the University’s broader economic engagement mission.

The Senior Director will lead fundraising efforts for a range of university-wide initiatives, including merit- and need-based scholarships, military and veteran programs, the President’s Leadership Fund, and other strategic priorities. Simultaneously, the Senior Director will identify and cultivate opportunities for economic collaboration with industry, government, and community partners that align with institutional goals.

This role requires a collaborative and entrepreneurial mindset, working synergistically across university divisions to ensure alignment with central fundraising strategies and economic development objectives. The Senior Director will promote a culture of philanthropy and partnership by broadening constituents’ understanding of the University’s impact and by creating meaningful engagement opportunities. The position operates within the University Development system and procedures to ensure consistent, coordinated, and mission-aligned activities. The role demands strategic thinking, diplomacy, and the ability to manage complex relationships across sectors.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience  | Bachelor’s degree and 5 years proven experience major gift/development, donor relations, sales or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been acquired may be substituted.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials  |
Preferred Qualifications  |
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities  | Direct experience working with boards, senior management teams, community leaders and community constituents to achieve results. Demonstrated success in identifying high net-worth donors, conducting face-to-face solicitations, and closing six-figure plus philanthropic commitments. Results-oriented leadership in the achievement of significant fundraising goals, preferably in the higher education space. Proven ability to effectively navigate large, complex, matrixed organizations. Demonstrated knowledge of best practices and experience in recruiting, developing and retaining a highly functioning, cohesive team. An excellent listener and strong communicator to internal and external audiences and stakeholders within a community, who can inspire and motivate in one-on-one situations and as a public speaker. Experience or an aptitude for building relationships and partnerships with a broad range of constituencies. An unwavering commitment to quality and excellence. Demonstrated experience with change management. Experience working with a CRM and related technologies within a fundraising environment. Displays sound judgment, emotional intelligence and detail orientation. A sense of accountability for oneself and for others as it relates to meeting commitments; inclusive management style that actively solicits input from team members. Possesses integrity, confidence and a positive attitude. Is mission-driven and self-directed. Required to travel to geographical location of donors/prospects and work evenings and weekends.

 Job Duties 
Job Duty  | Serves as Prospect Manager for potential donors with capacity over $100K and higher contributions to the University. Directs and managers broad fundraising activities with donors and prospective donors. Responsible for identifying, cultivating and soliciting gifts that benefit the program priorities of the University. Leads regular, strategic planning sessions on how best to involve prospects/donors in the University by matching their interest with USC’s diverse programs and activities. Directs, develops, and assesses ongoing cultivation, personally and by other USC and volunteer leaders, to build sense of ownership and commitment. Arrange tours and appropriate appointments; extend invitations to various functions and other relevant events.
Essential Function  | Yes
Percentage of Time  | 15
Job Duty  | Plans and directs fundraising with alumni and non-alumni friends that require interaction with the VP, Senior AVP, and other appropriate staff. Solicits prospective donors, including individuals, foundations and corporations in coordination with central’s office of principal Gifts, office of Corporate and Foundation Philanthropy and/or the office of Gift Planning. Number of solicitations are set and established by the Senior AVP with consultation with the Senior Director. All solicitations are documented within a Plan and Opportunity in Blackbaud CRM. Establish a donor pipeline by entering all opportunities in Blackbaud CRM. Adheres to Prospect Development policies and procedures. Manage solicitations, personally and by other USC and Volunteer leaders, to seek significant private support from prospects/donors.

Meets process performance goals set and established by the Senor AVP in consultation with the Senior Director that includes individual goals. These goals include a set number of personal initial visits, and solicitations, with a focus on the Top 10 gift closures selected at the beginning of the fiscal year and tracked via the Fundraiser Dashboard through timely document in Blackbaud CRM. Stewardship visits are strongly encouraged.
Essential Function  | Yes
Percentage of Time  | 10
Job Duty  | Identifies significant prospect leads in planning sessions with USC leadership to determine specific strategies, and coordinates all gift cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship steps. Identify new prospects through working with the staff of Prospect Development and encouraging referrals from volunteers, USC faculty and staff, and current prospects and donors. Assists in gaining helpful background information on prospects/donors to determine philanthropic interest and capacity.

Actively collaborates with the Senior AVP, directors, staff, volunteers, alumni, and friends in fundraising efforts. Partners closely with Gift Planning, Annual Giving, Principal Gifts, and Corporate and Foundation Philanthropy for opportunities to gain expertise form the support fundraising programs.
Essential Function  | Yes
Percentage of Time  | 10
Job Duty  | In collaboration with the Senior AVP, develops an annual plan of work, including specific fundraising, campaign, prospect development, stewardship and programmatic goals, priorities, and needs. Prepare report and other required information as requested. May work the central budget analyst/director on program budget allocation.
Essential Function  | Yes
Percentage of Time  | 10
Job Duty  | Maintains good relations with past and current donors to ensure continued involvement and to encourage future contributions. Works closely with Development stewardship/donor relations to provide effective and efficient ongoing recognition and appreciation. Serves as a member of the overall USC development team by collaborating with colleagues across disciplines on donor strategies. Files timely contract reports timed with reimbursement requests; maintains accurate records and provides timely updated information in Blackbaud CRM as appropriate. Serves on committees and attends staff meetings as required.
Essential Function  | Yes
Percentage of Time  | 10
Job Duty  | Serves as a key liaison to internal and external stakeholders on behalf of the Vice President for Economic Development. Builds and maintains strategic relationships with business leaders, government officials, economic development organizations, and educational institutions (including K-12, technical colleges, and universities) to identify and advance collaborative opportunities. Facilitates communication and alignment between USC’s economic development priorities and stakeholder interests, ensuring consistent messaging and engagement across all levels.
Essential Function  | Yes
Percentage of Time  | 15
Job Duty  | Represents the Vice President for Economic Development in external settings, including serving as a proxy on state and regional economic development boards, chambers of commerce, and industry councils. Advocates for USC’s role in regional and statewide economic growth, ensuring the University’s interests and capabilities are effectively communicated and integrated into broader economic strategies. Prepares briefing materials and follow-up reports to keep the VP and senior leadership informed.
Essential Function  | Yes
Percentage of Time  | 15
Job Duty  | Collaborates with internal university units and external partners to develop, support, and execute economic development initiatives that align with USC’s mission and strategic goals. This includes identifying opportunities for workforce development, innovation partnerships, and community engagement. Tracks progress, evaluates impact, and ensures initiatives are aligned with institutional priorities and regional economic needs.
Essential Function  | Yes
Percentage of Time  | 10
Job Duty  | Accepts and implements other specific assignments as directed.
Essential Function  | Yes
Percentage of Time  | 5
 
Position Attributes 
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive  | No
Hazardous weather category  | Non-Essential
 Posting Detail Information 
Number of Vacancies  | 1
Desired Start Date  |
Job Open Date  | 07/25/2025
Job Close Date  | 08/01/2025
Open Until Filled  | No
Special 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 August 1, 2025.

Quicklink for Posting  | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/191906
EEO 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.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
  1. * Do you have at least a bachelor’s degree and 5 years proven experience major gift/development, donor relations, sales or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been acquired may be substituted? 
    • Yes
    • No
  2. * Describe your experience building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders in government, industry, and the community. 
    (Open Ended Question)
  3. * This role requires deep connections within the local and regional community. Please provide examples of how your network has helped advance economic development or philanthropic goals. 
    (Open Ended Question)
  4. * Describe a time that you successfully aligned philanthropic efforts with broader economic development objectives. 
    (Open Ended Question)
  5. * How do you stay informed and engaged with evolving community needs and opportunities for collaboration? 
    (Open Ended Question)
  6. * What strategies would you use to promote a culture of philanthropy and partnership across diverse stakeholder groups? 
    (Open Ended Question)
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Cover Letter
  2. Resume
  3. List of References and Contact Information
Optional Documents