Director of Advancement

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 a boutique, mentorship-driven medical school with a mission to cultivate the next generation of surgeons and physicians grounded in critical thinking, creative doing, compassionate healing, and Surginuity™—a 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, Surginuity™ 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 institution’s inaugural fundraising and external relations leader. This individual will serve as the primary in-house liaison to the outside fundraising consulting firm and the on-the-ground representative of SCSM’s advancement activities—building relationships with donors, foundations, and community partners while helping establish the systems and culture of philanthropy essential to SCSM’s growth.

This is a rare opportunity to help shape a new medical school from the ground up—developing its advancement infrastructure, cultivating its founding donor community, and supporting the institution’s 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 school’s 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.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and comfort working in a start-up or early-stage environment.
• Passion for medical education, community health, and innovation in training future physicians.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred.

Compensation & Work Environment

• Salary range: $120,000 – $160,000, commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based incentives may be offered for meeting defined fundraising milestones.
• Comprehensive benefits package and on-site leadership role at the Torrance campus.
• Target start date: Q1 2026.
• This position is on-site and requires active engagement with the SCSM leadership team, donors, and community stakeholders.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Southern California School of Medicine (SCSM) is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé describing their relevant experience and interest in this pioneering role to: HR@scsm.org

Please include “Director of Advancement – SCSM” in the subject line.

Comprehensive benefits package and on-site leadership role at the Torrance campus.

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