Job Details

University of Pennsylvania
  • Position Number: 6959900
  • Location: Philadelphia, PA
  • Position Type: Development and Fund Raising


Major Gifts Officer for Penn Global

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 for Penn Global

Job Profile Title
Major Gifts Officer

Job Description Summary
The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) for Penn Global plays a key role in advancing the fundraising goals of Penn Global. Reporting directly to the Associate Vice President for University Strategic Philanthropy and Projects, Central Major Gifts, and with a dotted reporting line to the Director of Finance & Operations, Penn Global, the MGO manages and builds a portfolio of prospects and donors capable of making gifts of $25,000 and above, with a focus on discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

The MGO is responsible for identifying and engaging prospects who are alumni and parents of the University, but also individuals who are not yet in our network but whose interests align with the aspirations of Penn Global. The MGO works collaboratively with colleagues in International Development, Major Gifts, Principal Gifts, Parents Program and Gift Planning to further cultivate and steward current donors to Penn Global and build a pipeline for future supporters.

The role also supports stewardship and volunteer management for the Perry World House Advisory Board, strengthening relationships among alumni, parents, and friends to enhance Penn's global engagement and impact. Furthermore, the MGO will partner with colleagues in both DAR and Penn Global to hone the case for support and funding priorities. The MGO will give input on strategic decisions about fundraising related travel for the senior members of Penn Global and Perry World House.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities
  • Fundraising and Prospect Management
  • Build, manage, and expand a portfolio of 100 - 125 prospects capable of making gifts of $25,000 or more, with a focus on discovery and long-term pipeline development.
  • Conduct proactive discovery work to identify new domestic prospects for Penn Global and Perry World House.
  • Meet prospects and donors for individual meetings around the country and on campus as needed.
  • Develop and implement individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies for assigned prospects.
  • Prepare and deliver compelling proposals, gift agreements, and stewardship materials that clearly articulate the case for support and impact of philanthropy.
  • Solicit annual, major, and leadership-level gifts to support Penn Global and Perry World House priorities.
  • Record and track all activity and outcomes in the university's development database, ensuring effective moves management.
  • Collaboration and Strategic Integration
  • Work closely with International Development, Major Gifts, Principal Gifts, Parents Program and Gift Planning colleagues to align fundraising strategies and coordinate outreach to shared prospects.
  • Collaborate with Penn Global and Perry World House leadership and central development partners to identify funding priorities and philanthropic opportunities.
  • Partner with Corporate and Foundation Relations as appropriate to advance opportunities for grants and sponsorships for key priorities.
  • Stewardship and Donor Engagement
  • Design and implement thoughtful stewardship plans to ensure meaningful engagement and continued support from donors.
  • Collaborate with the Penn Global communications and events teams to plan cultivation, recognition, and engagement activities.
  • Ensure timely and personalized follow-up with all donors and volunteers.
  • Coordinate engagement and stewardship with DAR colleagues as needed.
  • Volunteer and Board Management
  • Support the Perry World House Advisory Board, including planning meetings, assisting with recruitment, tracking board terms, and communicate expectations.
  • Work with board and volunteer leaders to strengthen Penn Global's visibility and network both domestically and internationally.
  • Identify potential new volunteer and advisory leaders who can advance Penn Global's philanthropic mission.
  • Collaborate with the central international Boards, like Penn EMEA Leadership Committee and Penn Asia Leadership Committee to drive engagement and interest in the University's global work.


**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, Bachelor of Arts, and 3 to 5 years of successful fundraising experience preferably in higher education or a complex nonprofit environment or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Advanced degree preferred.
  • Proven ability to cultivate, solicit, and close gifts at the $25,000+ level.
  • Demonstrated experience in prospect discovery and pipeline building.
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and writing skills; ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
  • Collaborative and collegial working style; adept at working across teams and with senior administrators, faculty, and volunteers.
  • Must have ability to manage multiple projects in a goal- and deadline-oriented environment, and to work independently and as a strong team player.
  • Should be able to analyze and concisely articulate issues and to work with a diverse group of constituents.
  • Strong strategic and conceptual abilities necessary to succeed within complex and goal-oriented environment.
  • Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
  • Familiarity with international fundraising or cross-border giving is highly desirable.
  • Willingness to travel domestically and to work evenings and weekends as needed.


Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
Development and Alumni Relations

Pay Range
$76,000.00 - $105,000.00 Annual Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits
  • Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family's health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
  • Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
  • Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn's Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
  • Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family-whatever your personal needs may be.
  • Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you're newly hired, you won't have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
  • Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That's why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
  • Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
  • University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University's libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There's always something going on at Penn, whether it's a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you're right in the middle of the excitement-and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
  • Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
  • Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
  • Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
  • Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.



To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay


Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.



To apply, visit https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/upenn/careers-at-penn/job/FMC-Tower-Development/Major-Gifts-Officer-for-Penn-Global_JR00117215









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