Dir Spec Events & Donor Eng
University of South Carolina, United States
1 day ago
Location:
Columbia, SOUTH
CAROLINA
Job Type:
FullTime
Deadline:
02 Jul 2026
Posting Summary
Logo Posting Number
STA00461PO26
Job Family Alumni Relations and Development
Job Function Alumni Relations
USC Market Title Stewardship Manager
Link to USC Market Title uscjobs.sc/titles/208159
Job Level P3
- Professional
Business Title (Internal Title) Dir Spec Events & Donor Eng
Campus Aiken
Work County Aiken
College/Division USC Aiken College/Division Level
Department AIK Development
State Pay Range G09
USC Market Range MRF
- $52,526 $65,658 $78,789
Anticipated Hiring Range $52,526
- $65,658
Location of Vacancy Part/Full Time Full Time
Hours per Week 37.
5
Work Schedule Basis 12 months
Job Search Category Other Professional
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.
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 uscjobs.sc. 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 Director of Special Events and Donor Engagement (Alumni/Development Manager 1),
Salary:
$52,526
- $65,658 per year, USCA Development The Director of Special Events & Donor Engagement leads the university's strategy for donor stewardship, engagement and signature events, creating meaningful experiences that deepen relationships, strengthen philanthropic support and elevate the visibility and impact of USCA.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Knowledge of event planning, donor engagement, and sponsorship coordination. Ability to negotiate sponsorship agreements and manage partner relationships professionally and effectively. Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills with the ability to work across departments and with external stakeholders. Strong organizational, communication and customer service skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and donor/event management software systems.
Minimum requirements:
Bachelor's degree in a job related field and 3 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Preferred:
Bachelor's degree and 5 or more years of experience. Microsoft Office suite experience desired and experience with database programs preferred. Blackbaud CRM experience a plus.
Application deadline:
July 2, 2026. USCA is an AA/EOE. We strive to cultivate an environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of all individuals.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience Requires a bachelor's degree in a job related field and 3 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree and 5 or more years of experience. Microsoft Office suite experience desired and experience with database programs preferred. Blackbaud CRM experience a plus.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Knowledge of event planning, donor engagement, and sponsorship coordination. Ability to negotiate sponsorship agreements and manage partner relationships professionally and effectively. Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills with the ability to work across departments and with external stakeholders. Strong organizational, communication and customer service skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and donor/event management software systems.
Job Duties
Job Duty Lead Strategic Planning and Execution of Signature Advancement Events
Direct the planning, coordination, and execution of the university's highest-priority advancement and donor engagement events, with primary responsibility for the annual golf fundraiser, sporting clays event, leadership and impact awards event, and other strategic cultivation, recognition, and fundraising gatherings. Ensure each event advances institutional priorities, strengthens donor relationships, enhances the university's visibility, and generates philanthropic support through exceptional guest experience, strong coordination, and measurable outcomes.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 35
Job Duty Develop and Lead Comprehensive Donor Stewardship Strategy
Design, implement, and continuously refine a university-wide donor stewardship program that ensures meaningful, personalized engagement for donors at all giving levels. Oversee various annual donor stewardship events and impact report publications. Create and manage stewardship plans aligned with donor intent, institutional priorities, and advancement goals, including philanthropic reporting, recognition strategies, donor communications, and touchpoints that strengthen long-term philanthropic relationships and encourage continued investment in the university.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 25
Job Duty Direct Donor Recognition and Engagement Programs
Manage formal and informal donor recognition initiatives including naming opportunities, donor societies, milestone acknowledgments, campaign recognition, and stewardship collateral. Develop creative engagement strategies that appropriately honor philanthropy while reinforcing donor connection to mission and impact.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 15
Job Duty Collaborate Across Advancement and Campus Leadership to Support Philanthropic Strategy
Partner with development officers, alumni affairs staff, university leadership, academic units, and external stakeholders to align stewardship and event efforts with fundraising priorities. Provide strategic support for donor visits, presidential engagement opportunities, and university events where donor relationship management is essential.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 10
Job Duty Monitor Operational Effectiveness, Budgets, and Stewardship Outcomes
Oversee budgets, timelines, vendor relationships, event logistics, and stewardship tracking systems. Assess outcomes through participation, donor feedback, and engagement metrics to strengthen future event execution and stewardship effectiveness. Other duties as assigned.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 15
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 06/18/2026
Job Close Date 07/02/2026
Open Until Filled No
Special Instructions to Applicant In addition to completing the online application, please also upload your resume and a separate cover letter.
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 July 2, 2026.
Quicklink for Posting uscjobs.sc/postings/208214
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.