Development Director
About Classical California
Classical California is America’s largest listener-supported public media organization dedicated to classical music. Home to KUSC in Los Angeles and KDFC in San Francisco, our broadcasts and streams reach 1.6 million listeners each month worldwide. We enrich lives and communities through music experiences that are accessible, inclusive, and relevant to audiences of all ages.
Position Summary
Classical California seeks a strategic, creative, and data-informed Development Director to lead our multi-platform fundraising efforts across KUSC and KDFC. This role oversees the Development Department and is responsible for designing and executing integrated campaigns that acquire, retain, and inspire donors through on-air, digital, direct mail, and social media channels.
Reporting to the President of Classical California, the Development Director partners across departments and with USC Advancement to drive individual giving, donor engagement, and revenue growth. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for a fundraising innovator passionate about classical music, public media, and audience-centered strategy.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Leadership – 30%
Lead the overall strategy and execution of individual-giving campaigns.
Set annual fundraising goals and objectives in partnership with the Senior Business Officer.
Apply fundraising best practices and foster a culture of experimentation and innovation.
Campaign Management – 25%
Coordinate and produce on-air, digital, social media, and vehicle donation campaigns.
Develop compelling messaging and donor incentives, including thank-you gift strategies.
Oversee premium inventory and vendor relationships.
Collaborate with direct mail partners to write, edit, and produce fundraising materials.
Collaboration & Compliance – 20%
Work cross-functionally with Technology, Research, and Content teams to drive revenue growth.
Ensure alignment with USC policies and procedures in partnership with USC Advancement.
Serve as a key stakeholder in implementing the GoFundMe Pro platform.
Use research and analytics to inform and optimize fundraising strategies.
Analytics & Budgeting – 15%
Assess and evaluate campaign performance and donor engagement.
Develop and manage the Development Department budget.
Make data-driven recommendations to optimize future fundraising efforts.
Operations & Team Leadership – 10%
Oversee customer service operations for Classical California donors.
Manage Development Department staff, assigning and prioritizing workload.
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
Minimum 7 years of fundraising experience, preferably in public media or the arts.
At least 2 years of supervisory or team management experience.
Proven success in multi-channel fundraising campaigns (on-air, digital, social).
Experience with enterprise online giving platforms (e.g., GoFundMe Pro).
Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot).
Strong writing, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Experience in revenue forecasting and business planning.
Ability to create a collaborative work environment and partner cross-functionally.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree.
10 years of fundraising experience.
Experience designing, testing, and optimizing individual-giving strategies.
Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite and email marketing platforms.
Knowledge of donor segmentation and audience engagement analytics.
Work Arrangement
This is a hybrid-fixed position under our current work arrangement plan, with the expectation of an on-site presence for 3 days/week at the USC Tower in downtown Los Angeles. Nights, weekends, and travel may be required for this position.
Classical California is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all, where all staff and our stakeholders have the opportunity to connect, belong, and grow while supporting the University of Southern California’s mission, values, and goals.
Compensation and Benefits
The budgeted salary range for this position is $180,000 - $190,000. 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 alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
To support faculty and staff well-being, USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of benefits and perks to help protect their and their dependents’ health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of the overall compensation and total rewards package. You can learn more about USC’s comprehensive benefits here.
Required Documents
Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.
Minimum Education:
Bachelor's degree
Addtional Education Requirements
Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience:
7 years
Minimum Skills:
Major campaign, fundraising, and/or senior volunteer group management experience.
Preferred Education:
Master's degree
Preferred Experience:
10 years
USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to theBackground Screening Policy Appendix Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at [email protected]. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
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