Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts

University of Pennsylvania

. Cultivate and solicit alumni donor prospects in the New York region .

Posted 9/29/2026full-timeNew York City • New York • United StatesSenior💰 $77,330 - $125,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in fundraising strategies, including prospect cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, with a focus on securing significant financial commitments. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and manage volunteer engagement in a higher education context.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Fundraising ExperienceProspect CultivationGift Proposal WritingVolunteer ManagementCollaboration with Development Officers

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

FundraisingProspect IdentificationGift SolicitationProposal WritingEvent Planning

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsTeam CollaborationGoal-OrientedIndependent Work

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor Degree

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationAlumni RelationsMajor GiftsStewardship StrategiesNew York Metropolitan Area

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Cultivate and solicit alumni donor prospects in the New York region
Secure commitments of $100,000 or more to the University's top priorities
Manage a prospect pool of approximately 150–200 names
Identify and rate prospects capable of making gifts of $100,000 or more
Develop and implement individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies
Increase financial commitments to the Penn Fund and University priorities
Write gift proposals and case-building and stewardship materials
Represent the University at regional and on-campus events
Collaborate with the Director of Development for Major Gifts on prospects, events, and strategic planning
Collaborate with Penn Fund/Reunion Program, Principal Gifts, School/Center development officers, Gift Planning, and Alumni Relations staff
Create and support regional and on-campus events and programs
Staff prospect visits for University leaders and senior development officers
Develop prospect briefings and goals and manage follow-up actions
Identify, recruit, train, and support volunteers
Cultivate local alumni for future volunteer leadership roles
Work with volunteers to build relationships with prominent alumni, parents, and friends
Engage volunteers in prospect identification and evaluation
Oversee volunteer prospect assignments and provide pre- and post-contact support
Accompany volunteers on cultivation and solicitation visits as appropriate
Keep volunteers informed about the University and fundraising priorities

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor Degree and 3 to 5 years of successful fund-raising experience, preferably in higher education and in the New York metropolitan area, including direct solicitation of five- and six-figure gifts from individuals, or equivalent combination of education and experience is required
Familiarity with Penn and/or solid understanding of a major research university environment
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a goal-oriented team environment
Willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed
Valid driver's license required
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
Tuition assistance for dependent children at other institutions
Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans
TIAA and Vanguard investment options
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, cultural and recreational activities
Discounts and special services for arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, cars, cellular phone plans, movie tickets, and theme parks
Flexible work options and hours
Forgivable home ownership loan for eligible employees in West Philadelphia
Adoption assistance for qualified expenses, up to two adoptions in the household