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

Senior Director of Development, Penn Athletics

Job Profile Title

Director C, Development, Fundraising

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development & Alumni Relations, the Senior Director of Development will lead a frontline major gift team comprising three major gift officers and the Assistant Athletic Director for Development, who in turn oversees three Assistant Directors of Development.

This position will manage a portfolio of major gift prospects capable of contributing $250,000 or more to Penn Athletics and will oversee day-to-day fundraising and alumni relations activities for multiple varsity sports. In collaboration with an Assistant Director of Development, this includes managing multiple “sports boards” of 20+ volunteers that meet quarterly and that have a primary focus to support teams in achieving their annual fundraising goals.

The Senior Director will also partner with the Senior Associate Athletic Director to develop and implement fundraising strategies for capital projects and any future university-wide campaigns.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

Manage a personal portfolio of major and leadership gift prospects and develop and execute cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies to secure support for Penn Athletics' strategic priorities.
Identify and develop a pipeline of high-level gift prospects for immediate and long-term cultivation with a goal of growing the pool of top prospects who can provide significant philanthropic support for Penn Athletics.
Manage, train, and mentor the front-line fundraising team in close partnership with the Sr. Associate Athletic Director for Development and Alumni Relations.
Manage the Assistant Athletic Director, Development & Alumni Relations and help create the strategic direction for the Assistant Director of Development team
Manage day-to-day fundraising, alumni engagement and volunteer strategy for multiple varsity sports within the Penn Athletics sport portfolio, including enacting strategies to reach annual fundraising goals
Manage multiple sports boards, which are comprised of 20+ volunteers with a primary focus of helping varsity teams reach their fundraising targets
Partner with Sr. Associate Athletic Director to establish clear performance metrics for each direct report on the frontline fundraising team and schedule regular meetings to review progress towards goals.
Articulate and communicate Penn Athletics’ strategic priorities, aspirations, and values to alumni, parents and friends through informal and formal communications, including written proposals.
Liaise with Athletic Director’s office when Sr. Associate Athletic Director, DAR is out of office advancing Penn Athletics fundraising priorities
Work with the Central DAR data alignment team to analyze data, create portfolio strategies and develop a data driven program to maximize the engagement of the Penn Athletics community.
Work closely with the Sr. Associate Athletic Director, DAR to develop annual goals, plans, and budgets for a comprehensive, strategy-driven fundraising program and participate in the
Collaborate with Sr. Associate Athletic Director to develop and execute of a comprehensive plan to maximize the success of Penn Athletics’ fundraising efforts.
Partner with the Athletics Director, Sr. Associate Athletic Director, major gift officers, coaches, lead volunteers and other athletic administrators across the Division and University to maximize philanthropic support for Penn Athletics
Partner with Sr. Associate Director of Administration & Volunteer Management to support leadership volunteer initiatives
Collaborate with Sr. Associate Athletic Director to develop comprehensive engagement and solicitation strategy for Penn Athletics Board of Advisors

**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 7 to 10 years of fundraising experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Preferred experience with college athletics, specifically athletics fundraising. Significant experience not only in fundraising, but also in advancement management. Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to cultivate, solicit, and close major gifts. Must hold a valid driver's license. Position involves travel and evening/weekend work.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Development and Alumni Relations

Pay Range

$109,000.00 - $160,000.00 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