Director of Advancement

Southern California School of Medicine (SCSM)

Location: Torrance, California (On-Site)

About the Institution

The Southern California School of Medicine (SCSM) is a new, independent, nonprofit allopathic medical school located in the South Bay region of Los Angeles. SCSM is designed as aboutique, mentorship-driven medical schoolwith a mission to cultivate the next generation of surgeons and physicians grounded in critical thinking, creative doing, compassionate healing, and SurginuityTMa proprietary fusion of surgical discipline and ingenuity in problem-solving. More than a method, it is a mindset embedded in our curriculum that empowers every student to think decisively, act confidently, and lead with precision in modern healthcare. Unlike conventional training, SurginuityTM offers a distinctive framework that unites mindset development, leadership preparation, and clinical adaptability.

SCSM is currently in the early stages of its institutional development and accreditation journey, preparing for a comprehensive fundraising feasibility study and capital campaign in partnership with an outside fundraising consulting firm.

Position Overview

SCSM seeks a Director of Advancement to serve as the institutions inaugural fundraising and external relations leader. This individual will serve as theprimary in-house liaisonto the outside fundraising consulting firm and theon-the-ground representativeof SCSMs advancement activitiesbuilding relationships with donors, foundations, and community partners while helping establish the systems and culture of philanthropy essential to SCSMs growth.

This is a rare opportunity to help shape a new medical school from the ground updeveloping its advancement infrastructure, cultivating its founding donor community, and supporting the institutions long-term sustainability and vision.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison between SCSM and its outside fundraising consulting firm during and after the feasibility study.
• Build and manage a comprehensive advancement strategy, including annual giving, major gifts, foundation and corporate relations, and campaign planning.
• Work closely with the President, Founding Dean, and Board of Trustees to identify, cultivate, and steward founding donors and philanthropic partners.
• Manage donor pipelines and communications.
• Identify and guide the implementation of a CRM data system to ensure accurate tracking and relationship management.
• Collaborate with leadership and the consulting firm to develop case statements, campaign collateral, and donor materials.
• Represent SCSM at external meetings, events, and community engagements to raise awareness and support for the schools mission.
• Oversee gift processing, acknowledgments, and reporting in compliance with nonprofit and donor stewardship standards.
• Build, train, and supervise a small advancement support team as the institution grows.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7+ years of progressive experience in development, fundraising, or advancement roles, preferably within higher education, healthcare, or academic medicine.
• Proven record of securing major gifts and cultivating donor relationships.
• Experience collaborating with executive leadership, boards, and external fundraising partners.
• Prior fundraising or similar leadership experience within the Los Angeles area is a significant plus.
• Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• En…