Major Gifts Officer – Senior

University of Pennsylvania

Major gifts fundraiser managing Wharton donor portfolios and securing philanthropic commitments. Expanding the University of Pennsylvania’s domestic prospect base through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

Posted 8/5/2026full-timePhiladelphia • Pennsylvania • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $92,592 - $125,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in managing donor relationships and securing major gifts, with a strong focus on strategic cultivation and solicitation efforts. Proficient in utilizing database systems for tracking donor interactions and collaborating effectively within a fundraising framework.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Major Gifts FundraisingDonor Relationship ManagementDatabase ManipulationStrong Communication SkillsEvent Coordination

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Institutional Development ExperienceProspect IdentificationCultivation StrategiesSolicitation TechniquesPhilanthropic Commitment Tracking

Soft Skills

Independent WorkCollaborationEntrepreneurial InclinationGoal-Oriented Mindset

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficeSalesforce

Industry Keywords

University EnvironmentAcademic MissionFundraising FrameworkDonor VisitsPhilanthropic Events

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage a top-tier portfolio of approximately 150 donors and prospects
Conduct identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship interactions
Develop strategies and conduct visits with donors and prospects with giving capacity of $100,000 or more, or $250,000 or more at the Senior level
Meet annual goals for donor and prospect visits, solicitations, and philanthropic commitments
Accurately record prospect information and contacts in the institutional database
Collaborate with fundraisers across the department and University on relationship-building
Coordinate cultivation events and programs hosted by the School or assigned prospects
Staff programs in the designated geographic region
Attend, participate in, facilitate, or lead on-campus and off-campus events and activities
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts is required
3–5 years of progressive institutional development experience, or 5–7 years for Senior Major Gifts Officer
Experience emphasizing major gifts from individuals and organizations, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Ability to work independently with assigned prospects and collaborate within a centralized fundraising framework
Experience interacting with faculty, School leadership, and CEO-level contacts
Strong oral and written communication skills
Willingness and ability to travel frequently domestically
Travel and evening/weekend work required, including major events such as Reunion Weekends
Ability to attend, participate in, facilitate, or lead events outside normal business hours in Philadelphia and regional markets
Entrepreneurial inclination and capacity for hard work in a goal-oriented environment
Familiarity with database manipulation and computer software, preferably Microsoft Office and Salesforce
Knowledge of the university environment and academic mission preferred
Cover letter required
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits
Flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care expenses
Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children
Retirement plans, including Basic, Matching, and Supplemental plans
Substantial time away from work
Long-term care insurance
Wellness and work-life resources
Professional and personal development resources
Access to University resources, libraries, athletic facilities, cultural and recreational activities
Discounts and special services
Flexible work options and flexible work hours
Forgivable home ownership loan for eligible employees
Adoption assistance for qualified expenses
Competitive salary