Assistant Development Officer – Principal Gifts

Penn Information Systems & Computing

. Plan and implement processes and programs to streamline day-to-day efficiencies for the Principal Gifts Program .

Posted 10/23/2026full-timePhiladelphia • Pennsylvania • United StatesLead💰 $55,962 - $63,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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

Demonstrates strong project management and organizational skills while effectively managing donor data and reporting processes. Proficient in utilizing Salesforce and donor management databases to enhance team collaboration and streamline operations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Project ManagementSalesforce ProficiencyData AnalysisCommunication SkillsOrganizational Skills

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

Database ManagementReport WritingData LiteracySpreadsheet ProficiencyPresentation Skills

Soft Skills

Team CollaborationInitiativeResilienceAttention to DetailAbility to Manage Ambiguity

Tools & Technologies

SalesforcePowerPointExcelDonor Management Databases

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's DegreeValid Driver's License

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationInstitutional DevelopmentDonor OutreachPrincipal Gifts Program

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Plan and implement processes and programs to streamline day-to-day efficiencies for the Principal Gifts Program
Create and manage database processes to track prospect strategies, solicitations, and activities for robust team-progress reporting
Serve as liaison to peer roles across Engagement and Strategy, Penn schools and centers, Alumni Relations, Major Gifts, Reports, Data Analytics and Reporting
Manage Principal Gifts portfolio data integrity, including prospect research, pipeline entries, and campaign coding
Serve as team lead for Compass (Salesforce) discussions and implementations
Track and manage gift data, retrieve data, and produce and analyze reports
Produce gift-related donor outreach, including pledge reminders and donor summaries
Organize bi-weekly meetings, including scheduling, presentations, execution, and follow-up
Provide customized reports and organizational support for team meetings, donor touch points, presentations, retreats, and select board meetings
Assist with donor-facing events
Prepare development visit and event briefings for Penn leadership
Navigate priority projects through completion while collaborating across development areas

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree and 1 to 2 years of relevant experience in a fast-paced office environment, preferably in higher education and/or institutional development, or equivalent combination of education and experience is required
Enthusiasm, initiative, resilience, and a pioneering spirit
Willingness to contribute to a team-oriented environment
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a goal-oriented team
Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
Excellent organization and project management skills
Ability to manage ambiguity and change
Strong attention to detail
Exceptional computer skills and data literacy
Familiarity with donor management databases
Report-writing aptitude
Strong proficiency with numeric- and text-laden spreadsheets, PowerPoint, and Excel
Experience with Salesforce preferred but not required
Ability to handle complex and highly confidential information
Ability to travel locally and nationally
Willingness to work evenings and weekends
Valid driver's license required
Ability to lift 25 lbs. or less
Resume and cover letter required

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 employees, spouses, and dependent children
Tuition assistance for dependent children at other institutions
Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans
Pre-tax or Roth retirement savings options
Investment options through TIAA and Vanguard
Substantial paid time away from work
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 homeownership loan for eligible employees buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia
Adoption assistance for qualified expenses, for up to two adoptions in the household