Senior Director of Development, Corporate RelationsUnder limited supervision, reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Corporate and Foundation Relations, the Senior Director of Development will plan, coordinate, and manage a comprehensive, ongoing development program for the University of South Carolina, focusing on corporate gifts of $100,000 and above. The role includes overseeing coordination with college/unit colleagues regarding corporate gifts, grants, sponsorships, and strategic partnerships; engaging externally to secure corporate and foundation support; collaborating internally to execute a successful corporate relations program; and cultivating prospective donors.ResponsibilitiesProvide day‑to‑day leadership and oversight of corporate relations work across colleges and units.Partner with academic and unit teams to develop and deliver training for administrators, faculty, and staff.Create and maintain prospecting tools, resources, and guidance to support engagement with companies.Manage, coach, and support Directors of Development, ensuring alignment with goals and priorities.Evaluate staff performance, operational processes, and resource allocation for continuous improvement.Communicate clear expectations, accountability standards, and strategic direction to staff.Manage a portfolio of corporate and foundation prospects to advance high‑priority institutional programs.Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects to secure philanthropic support.Document all relationship activity in Blackbaud CRM and keep records updated.Solicit companies and foundations in collaboration with campus partners; meet solicitation targets set by the AVP.Maintain and build robust donor pipeline in Blackbaud CRM.Achieve annual performance goals, advance Top 10 gift priorities, and ensure proactive documentation.Conduct stewardship visits to strengthen donor engagement and retention.Collaborate on donor strategies and cross‑functional projects with the USC development team.File timely and accurate contact reports and maintain donor records in electronic databases.Participate in committees, departmental meetings, and development activities as assigned.Collaborate with team members to develop annual work plans, including fundraising priorities and stewardship strategies.Prepare reports and strategic updates requested by the AVP.Contribute to ongoing refinement of corporate relations program strategies and institutional fundraising efforts.Carry out additional responsibilities and special projects as directed by the AVP or leadership.QualificationsBachelor's degree in a related field and 5 or more years of related experience, or equivalent combination of certification, training, education, and/or experience.Bachelor's degree and 5 years proven experience in major gift/development in higher education and/or hybrid development model.Previous campaign experience.Experience soliciting corporate and foundation major gifts; a graduate degree is preferred.Comprehensive knowledge of planning, implementing, and managing a robust corporate and foundation relations program.Strong understanding of fundraising strategies, donor engagement cycles, gift cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.Familiarity with development operations, prospect research, pipeline management, and performance metrics.Knowledge of database systems used in advancement operations, including CRM platforms such as Blackbaud CRM.Knowledge of organizational management and staff development principles.Skill in identifying, qualifying, and cultivating corporate and foundation prospects and securing philanthropic support.Advanced writing and communication skills for proposals, reports, and donor correspondence.Strong oral and interpersonal communication skills for engaging faculty, academic leadership, donors, volunteers, and partners.Ability to manage, develop, and motivate staff, particularly directors and support personnel.Proficiency with computer systems and software relevant to fundraising operations.Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with internal and external constituents.Ability to cultivate and steward philanthropic relationships at all levels.Ability to develop effective fundraising strategies and assess program performance.Ability to work collaboratively across diverse academic units and teams.Ability to represent the institution with credibility and build relationships with leaders from a wide range of industries.Ability to organize and manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and maintain documentation.BenefitsHealth and Life InsuranceRetirement ProgramsPaid TuitionDependent ScholarshipsAnnual LeaveSick Leave13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)Paid Parental LeaveProfessional Development OpportunitiesEEO StatementThe 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, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.Required DocumentsCover LetterResumeList of References and Contact InformationOptional DocumentsTranscriptsProfessional ReferencesLetter of Recommendation#J-18808-Ljbffr