Associate Director – Donor Communications

The Wharton School

. 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 high-profile projects. Proficient in developing personalized donor materials and collaborating with leadership to achieve fundraising goals.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Fundraising WritingDonor RelationsProject ManagementInterpersonal SkillsStorytelling Strategy

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

WritingEditingResearchContent DevelopmentProposal Writing

Soft Skills

Attention to DetailOrganizational SkillsTime ManagementAdaptabilityCollaboration

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
Shape stories that motivate donors and illustrate outcomes and future direction
Advise 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, and leadership voice to donor relations content
Partner with University-wide communications offices to announce principal gifts, tell donor stories, and promote giving
Ensure content accurately reflects donor intent and School and University priorities
Develop personalized donor materials and advise on scaled content production and distribution
Manage multiple high-profile projects in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
Support processes for principal, major, corporate, and foundation giving
Help achieve annual fundraising goals through compelling wording and visual presentation
Serve as an editorial and writing style subject matter expert and mentor Donor Relations writers
Contribute to a culture of 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 organizational leadership
Ability to navigate 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 donor data confidentiality
Outstanding attention to detail 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 focus on individual donors and programs with a strategic view of broad donor audiences
Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a team
Experience functioning autonomously, shaping 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 and other institutions
Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans with pre-tax or Roth options
Substantial paid 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 libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, museums, cultural and recreational activities
Discounts and special services, including 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 home ownership loan for eligible employees in West Philadelphia
Adoption assistance for qualified expenses, up to two adoptions per household