Major Gifts Officer/Associate Director of Development

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Major Gifts Officer/Associate Director of Development

Job Profile Title

Major Gifts Officer

Job Description Summary

The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards individual and institutional prospects ($10,000 and above) for select programs, centers, and institutes within Penn Medicine’s Basser Center for BRCA (Basser) and Abramson Cancer Center (ACC). The MGO plans, coordinates, and implements development efforts for these defined areas and works closely with faculty, senior level administrators, and volunteers to meet fundraising goals. This position also manages assigned volunteer leadership councils and/or advisory boards.

Job Description

Develops an understanding of the educational, research, clinical, and financial needs and goals of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Medicine, and areas of responsibility within Basser and ACC.

Speaks passionately and authentically about the history, achievements, and strategic direction of Penn Medicine, Basser, and ACC – effectively articulating that vision to a diverse audience.

Successfully grow and manage a major gifts portfolio of donor prospects to meet agreed upon philanthropic goals. Focus on donor moves management, working collaboratively with faculty and development colleagues to engage donors toward major and leadership gifts.

Interacts effectively with a broad range of constituents – providing strong support and inspiring faculty, donors, and volunteer leaders to take action, while ensuring a rewarding gift experience.

Emphasizes cultivation and solicitation strategies that focus on donor-centered philanthropy to maximize potential gifts. Coordinate the participation of faculty, administration, trustees/volunteers, and other members of the development staff in achieving unit goals.

Directs and prepare major prospect proposals, as well as cultivation and solicitation informational materials, for both individual and organizational prospects.

Plans, coordinates, and directs visits and special events for prospects and donors.

Performs needs analysis for assigned physicians and/or programs/initiatives to which this position is assigned on an on-going  basis to establish development objectives.

Works as a productive and collegial member of the Penn Medicine, ACC, and Basser Development teams with a focus on team metrics.

Oversees stewardship activities with assigned prospects.

Reports regularly to the Executive Director of Development as well as other development colleagues  on all fundraising activity through active implementation of the major gifts tracking/reporting/moves management system.

Collaborates with University of Pennsylvania and Penn Medicine leadership and development colleagues on all matters regarding assigned prospects.

Qualifications:

1.         Bachelor’s degree required.

2.         Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in institutional development with emphasis on major gifts from individuals and organizations or equivalent combination of education and experience required. At least one year in an academic medical center or a large scientific/health care research institution is preferred.

3.         Demonstrated ability to meet fundraising g