Bhanu Cruz recently joined the Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy as the new Senior Associate Director. She brings with her over 30 years of comprehensive experience at USC in university advancement and external relations, undergraduate admission, and student development. She has a rich background in major and principal gift fundraising, leadership, and mentorship as well as a demonstrated passion for fostering meaningful relationships and managing constituent engagement strategies.

She joins the Center after serving as the Senior Associate Dean and Chief Development Officer at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. Bhanu’s career includes roles as Assistant Dean and Senior Director of Development at USC School of Cinematic Arts, Director of Development at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, and various positions at the USC Office of Admission, where Bhanu spearheaded regional recruitment initiatives and significantly contributed to the university’s outreach and enrollment efforts.

Bhanu is a double graduate of USC, with a BA in Journalism/Public Relations and an ML from USC Price. She enjoys spending time with her family and their rescue dogs Teddy and Mia, traveling, and trying new restaurants. She and her husband are avid USC sports, especially football, fans – and in the fall, they love to spend their Saturdays the Coliseum or traveling to away games.

The Center on Philanthropy & Public Policy promotes more effective philanthropy and strengthens the nonprofit sector through research that informs philanthropic decision-making and public policy to advance community problem solving. The Center is a part of the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy, which works to improve the quality of life for people and their communities, here and abroad.