Jaime Miranda
Senior Director, Transformational Research & Special Projects
University Advancement
Jaime’s Career in USC Advancement
- Development Research Analyst
2002 – 2006 - Director of Development Research, Keck School of Medicine
2006 – 2010 - Senior Associate Director of Development Research
2011 – 2021 - Senior Director of Development Research
2021 – 2024 - Senior Director, Transformational Research & Special Projects
2025 – present
Journey to Advancement
Jaime Miranda didn’t set out to build a career in Advancement. In fact, he began his career as a schoolteacher, but one summer he decided to try something new. Instead of returning to the classroom for summer school, he was convinced by a friend who worked at a temp agency to take advantage of a short-term opportunity at The Galef Institute — a nonprofit focused on educational reform for low-income students. What began as a short-term assignment soon transformed into something much more.
Jaime found himself rewriting grant proposals that had previously been denied. When they were successfully funded thanks to his edits, his knack for research and strategy became clear. By the end of the summer, he had accepted a full-time role and began what would become a dynamic and impactful career. He stayed with the organization for three years, gaining a deep appreciation for the power of research in driving social impact.
After a brief stint in the music industry supporting the Latin Division at Universal Music, Jaime found himself missing the purpose-driven world of advancement. With guidance from a trusted mentor, he made the decision to return to the field — and landed at USC, where he has spent more than 20 years contributing to transformational philanthropy.
Driving Strategy with Insight
As senior director of transformational research and special projects, Jaime leads a newly formed team focused on identifying and advancing high-level philanthropic opportunities. In addition, the team includes two senior content writers that help guide meaningful, high-level interactions between USC’s senior leadership and USC’s alumni, donors, and partners for impactful conversations that advance USC’s fundraising mission and strategic priorities.
“My job isn’t about finding wealthy people — we already know who they are,” he says. “It’s about discovering what motivates them to give.” Jaime and his team develop in-depth research that focuses on values, interests and connections to USC, helping guide transformational gifts of $20 million and above.
From coordinating strategies with senior leadership to strengthening internal processes, Jaime is focused on delivering insights that fuel impact. After working at USC for over two decades, the thing that keeps him going is “the impact we help make,” he says. “Fundraising research is like being a detective: We uncover insights that allow our frontline fundraisers to connect with donors in meaningful, strategic ways. It’s rewarding to know the work we do supports scholarships, medical research or life-changing community programs. I also enjoy the variety — every day brings a new person to learn about.”
Advice for Aspiring Advancement Professionals
“It’s important to be curious and stay open to learning, both about people and data. A strong attention to detail matters — but so does seeing the big picture. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and always think about how your work supports USC’s larger mission. Build relationships with your colleagues. Collaboration makes our work stronger.”