Director of Board and External Relations, USC Shoah Foundation

Washington, D.C. Campus

To be considered for this opportunity, please submit a cover letter with your application.

About USC Shoah Foundation

Established in 1994 and a part of the University of Southern California since 2006, the USC Shoah Foundation’s core purpose is to give opportunity to survivors and witnesses to the Shoah—the genocide of the Jews—to tell their own stories in their own words in audio-visual interviews, preserve their testimonies, and make them accessible for research, education, and outreach for the betterment of humankind in perpetuity. It achieves this work through the preservation and dissemination of a massive archive of more than 59,000 testimonies, engaging educational programs that reach multiple audiences, innovative academic and related research programs, and technology efforts that ensure that these histories remain accessible and relevant.

About the Opportunity

The USC Shoah Foundation seeks a Director of Board and External Relations.. The incumbent will contribute to the organization’s mission by providing strategic leadership for efforts related to Board Relations, Donor Relations, and other partnerships with key stakeholders. They will report to the Senior Director of Administration and work closely with the Executive Director of the USC Shoah Foundation. This position is based in Washington, D.C.

Through engagement with staff, members of the Board of Councilors, the office of Advancement, and the Executive Director, the Director of Board and External Relations will be responsible for:

Managing the administration and organization of meetings and engagements with the USC Board of Councilors and board committees. This will include logistics, bylaws, policies, compliance, oversight of minutes, and any additional considerations. 

Draft, edit, and proofread correspondence for the Executive Director. 

Maintain records, materials, and files for all Board activities.

Oversee activities for new Board and committee member orientation, including scheduling, SOPs, FAQs, and summary report.

Oversee scheduling of Board, committee, and other major engagements. This includes confirmation and reminders of meetings, managing reservations for space and technology, and proactively managing scheduling conflicts.

Coordinate with the offices for Programs, Administration, Collections and Technology, and Advancement on events that require the engagement of the Executive Director and/or the Board Chair.

Manage teams responsible for drafting fundraising proposals.

Work closely with Advancement on donor stewardship initiatives. 

Create and maintain relevant distribution lists.

Establish hospitality processes for VIP guests at both the Los Angeles and Washington, DC offices.

Oversee and provide concierge-level services to Board members, donors, and guests.

Oversee employee, Board, and key donor recognition, e.g., important events, accomplishments, etc.

 Work closely with the office of Program and Marketing/Communications on key external and internal events.

Contribute positively as an ad hoc member of the senior leadership team.

This position will be based at the USC Capital Campus in Washington, D.C. and is currently a two-year fixed term, grant-funded position.

Preferred Qualifications:

10+ years of experience in program development and management, with a proven track record of launching and scaling successful initiatives.

Experience working in the fields of social justice, human rights, cultural awareness, board relations, or a related area.

Experience in an academic or research-oriented environment.

Proven track record in securing grants and other funding sources.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

7 years of experience in program development and management, with a proven track record of launching and scaling successful initiatives.

Strong leadership skills, with experience managing teams and non-profit boards.

Direct experience building, implementing and overseeing complex projects.

Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans and achieve measurable outcomes.

Experience with fundraising, budget management, and resource allocation.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and build strong partnerships.

Strong organizational and project management abilities, with a focus on achieving results.

Sensitivity to cultural issues and a commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Willingness to travel up to 20% as needed.

In addition, the successful candidate must demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Values of integrity, excellence, diversity, equity and inclusion, well-being, open communication and accountability.

The annual base salary range for this position is $124,857.10 - $160,000.00. 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.

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Minimum Education: - Master's degree - Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: - 7 years Minimum Field of Expertise: - Directly related program management experience. Expert knowledge of field, teaching experience and/or active in research. Ability to manage sponsored projects and fundraise.