Director of Stewardship

Director of StewardshipApply ( Athletics Los Angeles, California

The University of Southern California (USC) is one of the world’s leading private research universities. An anchor institution in Los Angeles and a global center for arts, technology, and international business, USC is also one of the largest private employers in the City of Los Angeles. We are searching for exceptional individuals to help us fulfill our mission: developing individuals and society as a whole through the cultivation and enrichment of the human mind and spirit. As an employee of USC, you will be part of a world-class research university and a member of the “Trojan Family,” which is comprised of the faculty, students, and staff that make the university what it is.

USC Athletics aims to inspire champions in competition and in the classroom. We exist to enrich the lives of students to positively impact our community and world for generations to come. Operating with the four core values ofCompetitive Spirit, Togetherness, Passionate Pride for USC, and Our Courage to Blaze the Trail,the Trojans choose to lead by example. With over 600 student-athletes competing throughout USC’s 23 sports programs, USC Athletics is committed to serving as the unmatched, unquestioned top destination for talented student-athletes to reach their fullest potential in all that they do and offering student-athletes the ability to compete for NCAA and Big Ten championships while working toward a degree from one of the world’s leading universities.

Job Description:

USC Athletics is looking to hire aDirector of Stewardshipto join our staff and student community of 600+ individuals. This role is responsible for creating and fulfilling stewardship and recognition programming to acknowledge and engage current donors properly. The Director of Stewardship will serve as a key development team member, supporting all external fundraising campaigns and giving initiatives.

Reporting directly to Jennifer Noriega, Associate Athletic Director, the Director of Stewardship will work in collaboration with the membership services team, marketing department, head coaches, university stewardship department, and the athletics development team.The ideal candidate will be goal-oriented and pay strong attention to detail. The ideal candidate will also have a collaborative mindset, a high level of creativity, and proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud. Knowledge of and experience working in higher education preferred. Understanding of the unique culture and needs of college athletes preferred.

This position serves a large student and staff population, must demonstrate a commitment to improving outcomes for a variety of populations, and is expected to contribute to the program’s demonstrated commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all. USC Athletics is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunity.

This is an exempt position with the expectation to work in the office five days a week and attend home game competitions.

Roles and responsibilities to include:

• Oversee and manage all stewardship programs and activities.

• Oversee the gift acknowledgment process for all giving platforms and channels with a focus on prompt and personalized recognition.

• Plan and execute a donor relations strategy for our annual giving levels.

• Create and execute a lifetime giving society.

• Establish and maintain a scholarship endowment recognition program to acknowledge and steward endowment donors.

• Collaborate with our central advancement stewardship department to manage and execute university stewardship plans for major donors.

• Record, track, and fulfill donor intent as noted in gift agreements.

• Manage and grow the 1923 Club.

• Promotes an environment that fosters inclusive relationships and creates unbiased opportunities for contributions through ideas, words, and actions that uphold principles of the USC Code of Ethics.

• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Qualifications:

• The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5 years of experience (7 years preferred). Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud, as well as the ability to navigate CRM and marketing email systems.

• Valid driver’s license is required. Position will participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System. A copy of DMV record will be required as a final condition of employment. For more information, please visit the policy website. (

• Experience working in higher education and/or a sports related field ideal.

In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Values.

Salary Range:

The annual base salary range for this position is $78,000 - $85,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California 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.

To Apply

All candidates must submit a resume with their application. Additional materials may be requested at a later date. All USC employees will undergo reference checking and background screening prior to hire.

USC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at , or by email at Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring ordinance.

Qualifications: -The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5 years of experience (7 years preferred). Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education. -Proficient with Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud, as well as the ability to navigate CRM and marketing email systems. -Valid driver’s license is required. Position will participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System. A copy of DMV record will be required as a final condition of employment. For more information, please visit the policy website. -Experience working in higher education and/or a sports related field ideal.

REQ Posted Date: 07/31/2025