Associate Director of Donor Communications

University of Pennsylvania

. 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

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Demonstrates expertise in donor relations writing and communications strategy, with a strong focus on persuasive storytelling and project management to support fundraising initiatives. Capable of developing personalized content and managing high-profile projects in a fast-paced environment while maintaining confidentiality and accuracy.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Donor Relations WritingFundraising CommunicationsProject ManagementPersuasive WritingStakeholder Engagement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

WritingEditingResearchContent DevelopmentProposal WritingImpact ReportingStorytelling StrategyCommunication StrategyContent PersonalizationFundraising Strategy

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsDetail OrientationTime ManagementAdaptabilityCollaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree

Industry Keywords

Principal GivingMajor GiftsCorporate GivingFoundation GivingDonor EngagementFundraising GoalsHigh-Volume EnvironmentStakeholder NavigationConfidentialityAlumni Relations

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
Lead conversations that shape donor-motivating stories and illustrate outcomes and future direction
Advise Development and Principal Gift colleagues on funding opportunities, gift structures, and storytelling strategy
Develop communications for six-figure-and-above endowed and term gifts supporting MBA fellowships, professorships, and programs
Serve as lead Donor Relations writer for impact reports on Wharton’s highest priorities
Apply persuasive writing, organizational style, and leadership voice to donor communications
Partner with University-wide communications offices to announce principal gifts, tell donor stories, and promote giving
Ensure content accuracy regarding donor intent and School and University priorities
Develop novel concepts for donor relations content
Compose bespoke personalized materials for individual donors
Advise on and execute scaled content production and distribution for large donor audiences
Manage competing priorities across multiple high-profile projects in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
Apply knowledge of principal, major, corporate, and foundation giving to supported processes
Support ambitious year-over-year fundraising goals through exceptional wording and visual presentation
Serve autonomously as a Donor Relations subject matter expert on editorial and writing standards
Mentor Donor Relations writers and contribute to 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 other organizational leadership
Experience navigating 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 confidentiality of donor data
Outstanding detail orientation 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
Effectiveness balancing focus on singular donors and programs with a broad strategic view
Ability to work independently and effectively as a team member
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 check 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
Pre-tax or Roth retirement savings options
Investment options through TIAA and Vanguard
Substantial time away from work for vacations, personal affairs, illness, injury, and family time
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
Free and discounted admission and memberships to Penn arts and cultural centers and museums
Discounts on transportation, mortgages, cars, cellular phone plans, movie tickets, and theme parks
Flexible work options, including non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures
Forgivable loan for eligible employees buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia
Adoption assistance for qualified expenses, up to two adoptions in the household