Associate Director of Donor Communications

Penn Information Systems & Computing

. Establish working relationships with research programs and centers to create cases for support, proposals, and impact reports .

Posted 9/17/2026full-timePhiladelphia • Pennsylvania • United StatesSenior💰 $77,330 - $80,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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

Demonstrates expertise in fundraising writing and donor relations, with a strong ability to craft compelling narratives and manage complex projects in a fast-paced environment. Proficient in developing personalized communication strategies that align with donor intent and institutional priorities.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Fundraising WritingDonor RelationsProject ManagementInterpersonal SkillsStorytelling Strategy

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Persuasive WritingResearch SkillsEditing SkillsContent PersonalizationCommunication Strategy

Soft Skills

Detail OrientationTime ManagementAdaptabilityCollaborationConfidentiality

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree

Industry Keywords

Principal GivingFundraisingDonor EngagementImpact ReportsStakeholder Management

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Establish working relationships with research programs and centers to create cases for support, proposals, and impact reports
Interface with executive leadership and guide conversations toward giving outcomes
Lead conversations that shape donor-motivating stories and illustrate outcomes and future direction
Serve as a thought partner to Development and Principal Gift colleagues on funding opportunities, gift structures, and storytelling strategy
Write impact reports for the School's highest-priority research programs, centers, and initiatives
Apply persuasive writing, organizational style, leadership voice, emotional storytelling, and vivid presentation of donor-supported opportunities
Partner with University-wide communications offices to announce principal gifts, tell donor stories, and promote giving across platforms
Ensure content accuracy reflects donor intent and School and University priorities
Introduce novel concepts and elevate donor-relations content presentation
Compose bespoke, personalized materials for individual donors and advise on scaled content production and distribution
Manage competing priorities across multiple high-profile projects in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
Support processes for principal, major, corporate, and foundation giving
Enable year-over-year fundraising goals through exceptional wording and visual presentation
Serve autonomously as a Donor Relations subject matter expert on editorial and writing standards
Mentor Donor Relations writers and contribute to continuous learning and connection

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree and three to five years of experience in development and principal giving communications, fundraising writing, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Strong interpersonal skills and experience interacting effectively with administrative, faculty, and other organizational leadership
Experience navigating a complex environment of stakeholders
Exceptional writing, research, and editing skills
Ability to adapt style and voice for varied audiences
High level of discretion for maintaining confidentiality of donor data
Outstanding detail orientation and ability to personalize content and communicate outcomes clearly and compellingly
Excellent complex project management, planning, and time management skills
Ability to meet multiple deadlines and track activities in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
Ability to balance micro-focus on singular donors and programs with a macro strategic view on broad donor audiences
Ability to work independently and effectively as a team member
Experience functioning autonomously, shaping robust communications strategy, and collaborating with program executives
Willingness to work a limited number of evenings and weekends and travel to staff alumni and donor events
Cover letter and two writing samples required, preferably in a fundraising context
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 eligible health care and dependent care expenses
Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children at Penn
Tuition assistance for dependent children at other institutions
Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans
Pre-tax or Roth retirement savings options through TIAA and Vanguard
Substantial time away from work
Long-term care insurance for faculty, staff, and eligible family members
Wellness and work-life programs and resources
Professional and personal development resources
Access to University resources, 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 transportation, mortgages, cars, cellular phone plans, movie tickets, and theme parks
Flexible work options, including non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures
Forgivable home ownership loan for eligible employees in West Philadelphia
Adoption assistance for qualified expenses, for up to two adoptions in the household