Assistant Director of Development, Major Gifts Program

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

Assistant Director of Development, Major Gifts Program

Job Profile Title

Assistant Development Officer A

Job Description Summary

Based in Philadelphia and reporting directly to the Senior Associate Director of Development, the Assistant Director of Development is a junior level front-line fundraiser with responsibility for securing visits with Penn alumni in order to qualify major gift and planned gift prospects. Visits will be primarily virtual but may expand over time to include local and national travel for in-person qualification. In addition to qualifications, the Assistant Director of Development is responsible for making leadership annual fund-level solicitations and referrals to other engagement opportunities across the University. As a first development contact for many alumni, the Assistant Director of Development will play the crucial role of conveying the impact and possibilities of philanthropy at Penn to prospects who have not yet or not recently engaged with the University.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Develop outreach and qualification strategies for a pool of prospects in order to identify new major gift prospects and inform next steps for major gift officers.
• Meet with prospects, primarily via phone and video calls, to qualify their ability to make a major gift.
• For prospects not ready to make a major gift to Penn, solicit annual gifts and membership to the Harrison Society, Penn's Planned Giving Society.
• Convey the breadth and depth of philanthropic and other involvement opportunities at Penn.
• Work with the Senior Associate Director of Development, to refer prospects to the Major Gifts team.
• Acquire and maintain a working knowledge of University-wide funding and other engagement priorities, and a general knowledge of school and center funding and engagement priorities.
• Respond to inquiries regarding gift and involvement opportunities and determine appropriate follow-up.
• Assume responsibility for special projects as assigned.

**Please provide a resume and cover letter in order to be considered for this role. Please upload all documents in the “Resume/CV” section of the application prior to submitting.**

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science and 1 to 2 years of experience in development or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must be able to work independently, but collaboratively, as part of a goal-oriented team.
• Familiarity with the University of Pennsylvania and its constituencies helpful
• Must be willing to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends.  Valid driver's license required.