University of South Carolina
Senior Director of Development, Corporate Relations
🇺🇸
Columbia, SC
🕑
Full-Time
💰
$95K - $122K
💻
Development & Advancement
🗓️
April 17th, 2026
Blackbaud
CRM
Edtech.com's Summary
University of South Carolina is hiring a Senior Director of Development, Corporate Relations. This role leads and manages a comprehensive development program focusing on corporate gifts of $100K and above, collaborates with academic units on corporate fundraising activities, and oversees the coordination and cultivation of corporate and foundation donors. The position involves managing development directors, engaging in donor outreach, and ensuring the execution of strategic fundraising goals within USC Development's framework.
Highlights
- Lead and oversee corporate relations development efforts across colleges and units, managing directors of development.
- Manage a portfolio of corporate and foundation prospects for major gifts, focusing on gifts of $100K and higher.
- Develop and implement corporate and foundation fundraising strategies and ensure collaboration with USC academic and administrative units.
- Maintain and document all donor activities and solicitations using Blackbaud CRM software.
- Set and achieve solicitation targets, create fundraising plans, and build donor pipelines.
- Required knowledge of fundraising principles, donor engagement, and development operations, specifically in higher education.
- Must have proficiency in CRM platforms, especially Blackbaud CRM, and strong communication and leadership skills.
- Requires a bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of related experience, with preferred experience in major gift development and campaign work in higher education.
- Salary range anticipated between $95,423 and $121,664, commensurate with qualifications.
- Position offers comprehensive benefits including health and life insurance, retirement programs, paid leave, tuition benefits, and professional development opportunities.
Senior Director of Development, Corporate Relations Full Description
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Senior Director of Development, Corporate Relations
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
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 May 18, 2026.
The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
- Health and Life Insurance
- Retirement Programs
- Paid Tuition
- Dependent Scholarships
- Annual Leave
- Sick Leave
- 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Professional Development Opportunities
Logo
Posting Number | STA00256PO26
Job Family | Alumni Relations and Development
Job Function | Development
USC Market Title | Senior Director of Development
Link to USC Market Title | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/194041
Job Level | M2 - Managerial
Business Title (Internal Title) | Senior Director of Development, Corporate Relations
Campus | Columbia
Work County | Richland
College/Division | Division of Development
Department | DEV Corporate & Fnd Relations
State Pay Range | G13
USC Market Range | MRL - $95,423 $121,664 $147,906
Anticipated Hiring Range | $95,423 - commensurate with qualifications
Location of Vacancy | Columbia, SC **On-site**
Part/Full Time | Full Time
Hours per Week | 37.5
Work Schedule | Standard working schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pm Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Basis | 12 months
Job Search Category | Alumni Development
Posting Number | STA00256PO26
Job Family | Alumni Relations and Development
Job Function | Development
USC Market Title | Senior Director of Development
Link to USC Market Title | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/194041
Job Level | M2 - Managerial
Business Title (Internal Title) | Senior Director of Development, Corporate Relations
Campus | Columbia
Work County | Richland
College/Division | Division of Development
Department | DEV Corporate & Fnd Relations
State Pay Range | G13
USC Market Range | MRL - $95,423 $121,664 $147,906
Anticipated Hiring Range | $95,423 - commensurate with qualifications
Location of Vacancy | Columbia, SC **On-site**
Part/Full Time | Full Time
Hours per Week | 37.5
Work Schedule | Standard working schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pm Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
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.
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.
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.
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, reporting to the Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Corporate and Foundation Relations, the Senior Director of Development (Senior Director) for Corporate Relations (CFR) will be responsible for the planning, coordination, and management of a comprehensive and ongoing development program for the University of South Carolina with emphasis on corporate gifts of $100K and above, as well as overseeing CFR’s coordination with college/unit colleagues regarding corporate gifts, grants, sponsorships, and strategic partnership activities. Responsibilities include managing directors of development and actively engaging externally through creative discovery and outreach efforts for corporate and foundation gifts, as required. This includes responsibilities to support corporate and foundation strategies for the CFR team’s collaboration with colleges and units. Other responsibilities include active engagement internally by working with colleges and units in executing a successful CFR program, and in cultivating corporate and foundation prospective donors. Partners with colleagues to identify, cultivate and complete proposals and solicitations from companies and foundations. Proactively provides follow-up and stewardship on completed gifts. This position will be part of the University Development team and operate within the system and procedures of USC Development to ensure consistent and well-coordinated activities.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience | Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 5 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of certification, training, education and/or experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials |
Preferred Qualifications | Bachelor’s degree and 5 years proven experience in major gift/development in higher education and/or hybrid development model. Previous campaign experience. Corporate and foundations/major gifts solicitation experience and graduate degree are preferred.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities | Knowledge Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and methodologies involved in planning, implementing, and managing a robust corporate and foundation relations (CFR) program. Strong understanding of fundraising strategies, donor engagement cycles, gift cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, particularly within higher education. Familiarity with development operations, including prospect research, pipeline management, and performance metrics. Thorough knowledge of database systems used in advancement operations, including CRM platforms such as Blackbaud CRM. Knowledge of organizational management and staff development principles, including training, mentorship, and performance evaluation.
Skills Demonstrated skill in identifying, visiting, qualifying, and cultivating corporate and foundation prospects with a consistent record of securing philanthropic support. Advanced writing and communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling proposals, reports, and donor correspondence. Strong oral and interpersonal communication skills for engaging effectively with faculty, academic leadership, donors, volunteers, and external partners. Skilled in managing, developing, and motivating staff, particularly Directors of Development and administrative support personnel, to achieve strategic fundraising goals. Proficient in the use of computer systems and software applications relevant to fundraising operations, including CRM databases, word processing, and analytics tools.
Abilities Ability to build, maintain, and strengthen productive working relationships with internal and external constituents, including faculty, administrators, alumni, companies, and foundations. Ability to cultivate and steward philanthropic relationships at all levels, demonstrating professionalism, discretion, and strategic judgment. Ability to develop effective fundraising strategies, assess program performance, and implement process improvements. Ability to work collaboratively across diverse academic units and administrative teams to support university‑wide development goals. Ability to represent the institution with credibility and build relationships with leaders from a wide range of industries and professions. Ability to organize and manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and maintain high‑quality documentation and reporting.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience | Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 5 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of certification, training, education and/or experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials |
Preferred Qualifications | Bachelor’s degree and 5 years proven experience in major gift/development in higher education and/or hybrid development model. Previous campaign experience. Corporate and foundations/major gifts solicitation experience and graduate degree are preferred.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities | Knowledge Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and methodologies involved in planning, implementing, and managing a robust corporate and foundation relations (CFR) program. Strong understanding of fundraising strategies, donor engagement cycles, gift cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, particularly within higher education. Familiarity with development operations, including prospect research, pipeline management, and performance metrics. Thorough knowledge of database systems used in advancement operations, including CRM platforms such as Blackbaud CRM. Knowledge of organizational management and staff development principles, including training, mentorship, and performance evaluation.
Skills Demonstrated skill in identifying, visiting, qualifying, and cultivating corporate and foundation prospects with a consistent record of securing philanthropic support. Advanced writing and communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling proposals, reports, and donor correspondence. Strong oral and interpersonal communication skills for engaging effectively with faculty, academic leadership, donors, volunteers, and external partners. Skilled in managing, developing, and motivating staff, particularly Directors of Development and administrative support personnel, to achieve strategic fundraising goals. Proficient in the use of computer systems and software applications relevant to fundraising operations, including CRM databases, word processing, and analytics tools.
Abilities Ability to build, maintain, and strengthen productive working relationships with internal and external constituents, including faculty, administrators, alumni, companies, and foundations. Ability to cultivate and steward philanthropic relationships at all levels, demonstrating professionalism, discretion, and strategic judgment. Ability to develop effective fundraising strategies, assess program performance, and implement process improvements. Ability to work collaboratively across diverse academic units and administrative teams to support university‑wide development goals. Ability to represent the institution with credibility and build relationships with leaders from a wide range of industries and professions. Ability to organize and manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and maintain high‑quality documentation and reporting.
Job Duties
Job Duty | Leadership & Operational Management: Provide day‑to‑day leadership and oversight of CFR’s corporate relations work across colleges and units. Partner with academic and unit teams to develop and deliver CFR training for administrators, faculty, and staff. Create and maintain prospecting tools, resources, and guidance to support faculty and staff in engaging with companies that provide philanthropic gifts, grants, and sponsorships. Manage, coach and support Directors of Development, ensuring alignment with CFR goals and institutional priorities. Evaluate staff performance, operational processes, and resource allocation to ensure effectiveness and continuous improvement. Communicate clear expectations, accountability standards, and strategic direction to staff.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 25%Job Duty | Portfolio & Relationship Management: Manage a portfolio of corporate and foundation prospects to advance high‑priority institutional programs and initiatives. Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects to secure philanthropic support. Document all relationship activity, assignments, cultivation steps, and solicitation details in Blackbaud CRM. Maintain accurate and timely updates related to prospect movement and funding opportunities.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 20%Job Duty | Donor Solicitation & Pipeline Development: Solicit companies and foundations in collaboration with campus partners, deans, faculty, staff, as well as director of development in assigned colleges/schools. Meet established solicitation targets set by the AVP in consultation with the Senior Director. Create and maintain comprehensive Plans and Opportunities in Blackbaud CRM for all solicitations. Build a robust donor pipeline by entering and updating all opportunities in accordance with Prospect Development policies and procedures.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 20%Job Duty | Performance Management & Fundraising Metrics: Achieve annual performance goals—including meaningful contacts, qualification visits, and solicitation targets—set by the AVP with input from the Senior Director. Advance progress on Top 10 gift priorities identified at the start of the fiscal year. Ensure proactive and timely documentation in Blackbaud CRM to track activity via the Fundraiser Dashboard. Conduct stewardship visits to strengthen donor engagement and retention.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 20%Job Duty | Collaboration & Institutional Engagement: Contribute as an active member of the USC development team by collaborating on donor strategies and cross‑functional projects. File timely and accurate contact reports and maintain complete donor records in electronic databases. Participate in committees, departmental meetings, and development activities as assigned.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 5%Job Duty | Annual Planning, Reporting & Strategy Development: Collaborate with CFR team members to develop an annual work plan that includes fundraising priorities, stewardship strategies, and prospect research initiatives. Prepare reports, strategic updates, and other documents as requested by AVP. Actively contribute to the ongoing refinement of CFR program strategies and institutional fundraising efforts.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 5%Job Duty | Other Duties as Assigned:Carry out additional responsibilities, special projects, and assignments as directed by the AVP or organizational leadership.
Essential Function | No
Percentage of Time | 5%
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 25%Job Duty | Portfolio & Relationship Management: Manage a portfolio of corporate and foundation prospects to advance high‑priority institutional programs and initiatives. Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects to secure philanthropic support. Document all relationship activity, assignments, cultivation steps, and solicitation details in Blackbaud CRM. Maintain accurate and timely updates related to prospect movement and funding opportunities.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 20%Job Duty | Donor Solicitation & Pipeline Development: Solicit companies and foundations in collaboration with campus partners, deans, faculty, staff, as well as director of development in assigned colleges/schools. Meet established solicitation targets set by the AVP in consultation with the Senior Director. Create and maintain comprehensive Plans and Opportunities in Blackbaud CRM for all solicitations. Build a robust donor pipeline by entering and updating all opportunities in accordance with Prospect Development policies and procedures.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 20%Job Duty | Performance Management & Fundraising Metrics: Achieve annual performance goals—including meaningful contacts, qualification visits, and solicitation targets—set by the AVP with input from the Senior Director. Advance progress on Top 10 gift priorities identified at the start of the fiscal year. Ensure proactive and timely documentation in Blackbaud CRM to track activity via the Fundraiser Dashboard. Conduct stewardship visits to strengthen donor engagement and retention.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 20%Job Duty | Collaboration & Institutional Engagement: Contribute as an active member of the USC development team by collaborating on donor strategies and cross‑functional projects. File timely and accurate contact reports and maintain complete donor records in electronic databases. Participate in committees, departmental meetings, and development activities as assigned.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 5%Job Duty | Annual Planning, Reporting & Strategy Development: Collaborate with CFR team members to develop an annual work plan that includes fundraising priorities, stewardship strategies, and prospect research initiatives. Prepare reports, strategic updates, and other documents as requested by AVP. Actively contribute to the ongoing refinement of CFR program strategies and institutional fundraising efforts.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 5%Job Duty | Other Duties as Assigned:Carry out additional responsibilities, special projects, and assignments as directed by the AVP or organizational leadership.
Essential Function | No
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.
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
Hazardous weather category | Non-Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies | 1
Desired Start Date | 06/16/2026
Job Open Date | 04/16/2026
Job Close Date | 05/18/2026
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 May 18, 2026. The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
Health and Life Insurance Retirement Programs Paid Tuition Dependent Scholarships Annual Leave Sick Leave 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday) Paid Parental Leave Professional Development Opportunities
Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.
Quicklink for Posting | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/204847
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.
Desired Start Date | 06/16/2026
Job Open Date | 04/16/2026
Job Close Date | 05/18/2026
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 May 18, 2026. The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
Health and Life Insurance Retirement Programs Paid Tuition Dependent Scholarships Annual Leave Sick Leave 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday) Paid Parental Leave Professional Development Opportunities
Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.
Quicklink for Posting | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/204847
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 (*).
- * Do you have at least a Bachelor's Degree in a job-related field and 5 or more years of job-related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job-related certification, training, education, and/or experience?
- Yes
- No
- * If so, please tell us how you qualify?
(Open Ended Question) - * Are you willing to travel by the geographic location of donors/prospects; work evenings and weekends?
- no response
- Yes
- No
- * Do you have a reliable means of transportation?
- Yes
- No
- * Although we accept resumes for review, the application is the official hiring document maintained by the university. Offers of employment and starting salaries are based on the education and work experience (including beginning and end dates) included in the university application only, not your resume. Have you included all details for all education, volunteer and work experiences in your job application?
- Yes
- No
- No Answer
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- List of References and Contact Information
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