Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts (New York Regional Office)

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
Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts (New York Regional Office)
Job Profile Title
Major Gifts Officer
Job Description Summary
Lead major gift efforts and donor engagement in a specific region. Develop fundraising strategies, plan cultivation events, oversee government and foundation funding, and manage grant writing and submissions
Job Description
This role is based in our New York office.
Job Responsibilities
Major Gifts Fund-raising
Cultivate and solicit alumni donor prospects in the New York region, with emphasis on securing commitments of $100,000 or more to the University’s top priorities. Responsibilities include:
Manage a prospect pool of ~ 150-200 names
Identify and rate new prospects capable of making gifts of $100,000 or more.
Develop and implement individualized cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies for prospects and donors with an emphasis on increasing their financial commitment to the Penn Fund and University priorities.
Write gift proposals and other case building and stewardship materials as needed.
Represent the University at regional and on-campus events.
Collaboration with University Development Staff
Work closely with the Director of Development for Major Gifts on individual prospects, special events, and development of overall strategic plan for assigned donor prospect pool. Collaborate with campus-based colleagues including Penn Fund/Reunion Program, Principal Gifts, School/Center development officers, Gift Planning, and Alumni Relations staff.
Work closely with campus-based development colleagues to create and support events and programs (both regionally and on campus) that will lead to increased high-level involvement of alumni in the region as well as to develop individual strategies to cultivate and steward prospect interests across a variety of areas across the University.
Staff prospect visits for University leaders, e.g. President, Dean or faculty member, and by senior development officers; includes developing prospect briefing/goals and managing follow up actions.
Volunteer Management
Identify, recruit, train and support volunteers. Cultivate local alumni for future volunteer leadership roles at the University (e.g. boards of Trustees and Overseers, Advisory boards, reunion volunteers, speakers and other alumni leadership activities).
Work strategically with volunteers to encourage them to build bridges and utilize their networks to help Penn develop stronger relationships with other prominent alumni, parents, and friends of the University.
Engage volunteers in prospect identification and evaluation process
Oversee select prospect assignments to volunteers, including the provision of pre- and post-contact support and, as appropriate, accompanying volunteers on cultivation/solicitation visits.
Keep volunteers informed about the University and its fundraising priorities.
**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 Degree and 3 to 5 of successful fund-raising experience, preferably in higher education and in the New York metropolitan area, including direct solicitation of five and six figure gifts from individuals or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Familiarity with Penn and/or solid understanding of a major research university environment.
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
Ability to work independently, but collaboratively, in goal-oriented team environment.
Must be willing to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed (valid driver's license required)
Job Location - City, State
New York, New York
Department / School
Development and Alumni Relations
Pay Range