Director of Development

University of Pennsylvania

Penn Engineering development director leading major-gift fundraising, prospect portfolios, and gift officers at the University of Pennsylvania. Driving donor engagement and philanthropic support for the School’s strategic priorities.

Posted 8/12/2026full-timePhiladelphia • Pennsylvania • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $135,327 - $190,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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

Demonstrates expertise in managing major gift fundraising efforts, including developing and executing strategies for donor engagement and stewardship. Proven ability to lead teams, set performance goals, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Fundraising ExperiencePortfolio ManagementTeam LeadershipRelationship BuildingGoal Setting

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

Fundraising StrategyData AnalysisProposal WritingPerformance ManagementComplex Problem-Solving

Soft Skills

Communication SkillsCoachingDecision-MakingRelationship Management

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's DegreeValid Driver's License

Industry Keywords

Major GiftsDonor EngagementStewardship StrategiesAlumni RelationsFundraising Program

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage a portfolio of 100 major and leadership gift prospects
Develop and execute cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for the School’s strategic priorities
Identify and develop a pipeline of high-level gift prospects for immediate and long-term cultivation
Lead and manage a team of major gift officers
Set goals, evaluate performance, and support professional development
Communicate Penn Engineering’s strategic priorities, aspirations, and values to alumni, parents, and friends
Prepare informal and formal communications, including written proposals
Work with the Central DAR data alignment team to analyze data and create portfolio strategies
Develop a data-driven program to maximize engagement of the Penn Engineering community
Work with the Vice Dean to develop annual goals, plans, and budgets for a comprehensive fundraising program
Participate in developing and executing a comprehensive plan for Penn Engineering fundraising
Partner with the Dean, Vice Dean, and academic and administrative leaders across the School and University to maximize support

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree and 7 to 10 years of fundraising experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Demonstrated success managing a portfolio of high-capacity prospects
Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills
Experience engaging senior leadership, faculty, and high-level external stakeholders
Proven experience supervising and developing professional staff
Experience with goal-setting, performance management, and coaching
Advanced professional skills in complex problem-solving and decision-making
Ability to navigate multifaceted donor situations
Must hold a valid driver's license
Extensive travel required
Evening and weekend work required
Resume and cover letter required for consideration
Background check 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 eligible health care and dependent care expenses
Tuition assistance for the employee, spouse, and dependent children at Penn
Tuition assistance for dependent children at other institutions
Basic, matching, and supplemental retirement plans with pre-tax or Roth options
Investment options through TIAA and Vanguard
Substantial time away from work during the year
Long-term care insurance
Wellness and work-life programs and resources
Professional and personal development resources
Access to University libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, cultural and recreational activities
Free and discounted admission and memberships to Penn arts and cultural centers and museums
Discounts on goods and services including cars, cellular phone plans, movie tickets, and theme parks
Flexible work options and flexible work hours
Forgivable loan for eligible employees buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia
Adoption assistance for qualified expenses, up to two adoptions in the household