Assistant Development Officer – Principal Gifts

University of Pennsylvania

. Plan and implement strategies and processes 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 organizational and project management skills while effectively managing data integrity and reporting for donor engagement. Proficient in utilizing Salesforce and donor management databases to streamline processes and enhance team collaboration.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Salesforce ProficiencyProject Management SkillsData Integrity ManagementExcellent Communication SkillsDonor Management Database Familiarity

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

Data AnalysisReport WritingSpreadsheet PreparationPresentation DevelopmentDatabase Management

Soft Skills

Team CollaborationInitiativeResilienceAttention to DetailAbility to Manage Ambiguity

Tools & Technologies

SalesforcePowerPointExcelDonor Management Databases

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationInstitutional DevelopmentPrincipal Gifts ProgramDonor OutreachCampaign Coding

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Plan and implement strategies and processes to streamline day-to-day efficiencies for the Principal Gifts Program
Create and manage database processes tracking 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 data integrity for the Principal Gifts portfolio, including prospect research, pipeline entries, and campaign coding
Lead 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, coordinate scheduling and presentations, and oversee execution and follow-up
Provide organizational support through customized reports, donor touch points, presentations, retreats, and select board meetings
Assist with production of donor-facing events
Prepare development visit and event briefings for Penn leadership
Navigate priority projects through completion while collaborating with colleagues across development

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
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 and strong attention to detail
Exceptional computer skills and data literacy
Familiarity with donor management databases and report writing aptitude
Strong proficiency preparing 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
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
Wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard
Substantial time away from work
Long-term care insurance
Wellness and work-life programs and resources
Professional and personal development resources
Access to University resources, libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, museums, and cultural and recreational activities
Discounts and special services for arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, vehicles, cellular phone service, movies, and theme parks
Flexible work options and hours
Forgivable home ownership loan for eligible employees
Adoption assistance for qualified expenses
Hybrid eligible work arrangement