Director of Development
August 18, 2026Director of Development
University of South Carolina Upstate
STA00614PO26
Spartanburg, SC
Under limited supervision, reporting to the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement (VCUA), the Director of Development will be responsible for the coordination and management of a comprehensive and ongoing development program through major gifts fundraising. Responsibilities include active engagement internally by working with university colleagues in cultivating Corporate and Foundation relations prospective donors, individuals, and alumni. Partners with colleagues to identify, cultivate and complete proposals / solicitations from prospective prospects. Proactively provides follow-up and stewardship on completed gifts.
• Serves as Prospect Manager for prospective donors with capacity of $25,000 or more with emphasis on current and future major gifts. Responsible for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting a gift portfolio that benefits the program priorities of the University. Uses Blackbaud RE-NXT to coordinate and document all prospect and donor relationships as well as any relevant assignment, cultivation, or solicitation information or pending opportunities.
• Meets process performance goals set and established by the VCUA that include individual and team goals. These goals include a set number of personal visits, with a focus on prospect identification and qualification as well as solicitations, with a focus on gift closures selected at the beginning of the fiscal year. Stewardship visits are strongly encouraged.
• Solicits prospective donors, including individuals, foundations, and corporations in coordination with the VCUA and assigned colleges/schools. Number of solicitations are set and established by the VCUA and documented within an Opportunity in Blackbaud RE-NXT. Adheres to Prospect Development policies and procedures.
• Actively works with deans, department chairs, faculty, alumni, and key volunteers in fundraising efforts, particularly the colleges/schools to which assigned. Partners closely with these campus partners on fundraising strategy and donor stewardship, as well as other colleagues in University Advancement.
• Serves as a member of the overall advancement team by collaborating with colleagues across disciplines on donor strategies. Develops an annual plan of work, including specific fundraising and stewardship strategies, prospect research and development. Prepares reports and other required information as requested.
• Accepts and implements other specific assignments as directed.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and 4 years of fundraising or development experience in higher education and/or hybrid development model, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job-related certification, training, education, and/or experience. A valid driver’s license is required, and successful background check is required.
Preferred Qualifications: Familiarity with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT donor database preferred. Corporate and foundations/major gifts solicitation experience.
Salary: $84,820 – $108,146; Salary commensurate with education and experience.
For more information and/or to apply, go to https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/210349
USC Upstate offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition Program
• Dependent Scholarships
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities
The University of South Carolina is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution. Women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.








