Senior Philanthropy Officer

Penn Information Systems & Computing

. Manage a high-level portfolio of alumni, family foundations, and friends capable of or with the potential to make gifts of $5 million or more .

Posted 10/15/2026full-timePhiladelphia • Pennsylvania • United StatesSenior💰 $167,379 - $260,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive fundraising experience with a focus on securing high-impact gifts from high-net-worth individuals, while effectively managing relationships and developing strategic initiatives. Exhibits strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills to navigate complex environments and drive donor engagement.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Fundraising ExperienceHigh-Impact Gift SolicitationInterpersonal SkillsPlanned Giving VehiclesDiversity, Equity, and Inclusion

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Fundraising StrategyGift SolicitationProspect ManagementProposal DevelopmentEvent CoordinationDonor EngagementRelationship BuildingAnalytical SkillsCultivation Materials PreparationGift Opportunity Development

Soft Skills

Emotional IntelligenceOrganizational SkillsListening SkillsCommunication SkillsCollaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

Master of ScienceMaster of Arts

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationAlumni RelationsPrincipal GiftsHigh-Net-Worth IndividualsVolunteer LeadershipDiversity and InclusionFunding EnvironmentsInterdisciplinary InitiativesStewardship ReportsProspect Assessments

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage a high-level portfolio of alumni, family foundations, and friends capable of or with the potential to make gifts of $5 million or more
Monitor and report on donor/prospect activities and gift solicitations
Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward principal-gift-level prospects
Drive personalized engagement with donors, campus partners, senior University administrators, faculty, Boards of Advisors, and volunteers
Travel 25–30 percent of the time to develop relationships with Penn parents, alumni, and friends
Represent Penn’s priorities and articulate compelling cases for support
Identify, develop, and refine gift opportunities aligned with donor interests and University priorities
Align donors with volunteer leadership opportunities, committees, activities, and events
Conceptualize, plan, and spearhead large-scale interdisciplinary initiatives and programs
Plan, coordinate, and direct visits and special events for principal-gift prospects and donors
Prepare cultivation materials, funding proposals, talking points, prospect assessments, briefings, and stewardship reports
Document substantive prospect contacts and coordinate key prospect efforts
Develop programs and strategies to increase the principal-gift prospect pipeline and move prospects into the $5 million+ category
Advise Development and Alumni Relations colleagues on relationship-building and fundraising strategies
Evaluate and design appeals to principal-gift-level prospects
Maintain knowledge of Penn’s academic content and regional, national, and international funding environments
Serve as a resource and role model to staff on prospect strategy and creative solutions to complex solicitations
Create a transparent, clear, agile, and respectful work environment
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master of Science or Master of Arts and 7 to 10 years of demonstrated, successful fundraising experience, preferably in higher education, including a track record securing high-impact gifts ($1M+) from individuals, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Extensive experience working with high-net-worth individuals and volunteers
Ability to travel at least 25 percent of the time, locally, regionally, and nationally; internationally as required
Superb interpersonal, listening, organizational, and analytical skills
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Experience with planned giving vehicles and structuring blended gifts
Emotional intelligence to navigate complicated organizations, relationships, and ambiguity
Ability to work independently within an existing fundraising framework and contribute to a total team effort in a fast-paced, complex environment
Ability to interact and collaborate efficiently with development officers in varying programs
Travel, evening/weekend work, and valid driver’s license preferred
Resume and cover letter required for consideration
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 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 on arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, cars, cellular phone plans, movie tickets, and theme parks
Flexible work options and flexible work hours
Forgivable home ownership loan for eligible employees in West Philadelphia
Adoption assistance for qualified expenses, up to two adoptions in the household