Dir Spec Events & Donor Eng

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

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.

Posting Summary

• Posting Number: STA00461PO26
• Job Family: Alumni Relations and Development
• Job Function: Alumni Relations
• USC Market Title: Stewardship Manager
• Link to USC Market Title:
• 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

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 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 Re-advertised Director of Special Events and Donor Engagement (Alumni/Development Manager 1), Salary: $52,526 – $65,658 per year, USCA Development

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:

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.

Job Duties:

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

Desired Start Date: Job Open Date 06/18/2026 Job Close Date 08/30/2026

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.

Supplemental Questions

• * Do you have at least 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?
  • Yes
  • No