Associate Vice President – Major Gifts

Penn Information Systems & Computing

. Lead and direct the major gifts team to achieve optimum results .

Posted 9/29/2026full-timePhiladelphia • Pennsylvania • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $220,000 - $325,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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

Demonstrates expertise in leading major gift fundraising initiatives, managing high-performing teams, and developing strategic plans to enhance donor engagement. Proven ability to communicate effectively with high-net-worth individuals and collaborate across complex institutional settings.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Major Gift FundraisingTeam LeadershipStrategic PlanningDonor Relationship ManagementPerformance Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Fundraising StrategyData AnalysisPerformance ReportingPortfolio ManagementGift Closure

Soft Skills

Exceptional CommunicationInterpersonal SkillsOrganizational SkillsMentoringSelf-Motivated

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's DegreeValid Driver's License

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationMajor GiftsPhilanthropyDonor EngagementAdvancement Prospect Analytics

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and direct the major gifts team to achieve optimum results
Communicate financial and key performance indicators and results to staff
Establish priorities and goals for staff
Manage staffing needs and organizational development
Guide talent identification and professional development across the unit
Set performance expectations and hold staff accountable through feedback and coaching
Ensure open communication, team building, and regular staff meetings
Inspire and motivate staff
Develop and implement a strategic plan to strengthen engagement of major-gift-capable prospects across the country
Realign or increase team staffing to maximize productivity
Manage a portfolio of 20–30 prospects capable of making high seven-figure gifts
Personally identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects across Penn schools and centers
Establish a university-wide major gifts leadership cohort
Host gatherings to share best practices and discuss timely fundraising topics
Monitor major gift fundraising trends and communicate them across campus
Implement and support ongoing training for major gifts staff
Devise and implement a multi-year strategic plan for the team
Develop key performance indicators and use data, forecasting, and analysis to guide program growth
Collaborate with Advancement Prospect Analytics to create progress and performance reporting
Create and strengthen a volunteer involvement plan for major gifts
Oversee a dual-ask approach for major gifts, including The Penn Fund
Build relationships with school and center development directors
Strengthen collaboration with the Reunion Giving team
Serve on the USPP senior leadership team and represent major gifts in strategic planning, budgeting, and cross-divisional initiatives
Report to the Chief Philanthropy Officer overseeing University Strategic Philanthropy & Partnerships

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's Degree and over 10 years of progressively responsible development and leadership experience, including successful engagement and gift closure with major gift donors, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Advanced degree preferred
Experience working in a higher education setting
Comfort and effectiveness working with high-net-worth individuals, domestically and internationally
Proven experience managing and leading fundraising teams with multiple levels of expertise
Ability to set objectives and performance standards, provide constructive feedback, and achieve program goals
Experience working effectively in a complex institutional setting and sustaining relationships with donors, faculty, colleagues, and senior leadership
Exceptional oral and written communication skills
Ability to function independently in a multifaceted and complex fundraising environment
Willingness to travel and work evenings as needed
Valid driver's license required
Demonstrated effective performance in demanding, deadline-driven environments
Self-motivated with a strong work ethic and sense of urgency
Ability to engage in high-level strategic discussions and synthesize complex information
Very high-level spoken and written articulation, including strong writing and editing skills
Ability to translate complex information into clear, concise reporting materials
Ability to anticipate opportunities and challenges and proactively address concerns
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
Excellent interpersonal skills, diplomacy, confidence, and strategic vision
Ability to mentor direct reports and colleagues
Commitment to excellence and attention to detail
Experience working with senior-level officers and interacting with colleagues, faculty, administrators, executives, and staff
Ability to maintain confidentiality of privileged information
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, including eligible assistance at other institutions
Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans with pre-tax or Roth options
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
Discounts and special services on arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, vehicles, cellular plans, movie tickets, and theme parks
Flexible work options, including non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures
Forgivable homeownership loan for eligible employees in West Philadelphia
Adoption assistance for qualified expenses, up to two adoptions per household
Hybrid eligible work arrangement