Associate Director, Parent Fundraising, Parent & Family Giving

University of Pennsylvania

. Develop understanding of the University of Pennsylvania’s educational, research, and financial priorities and articulate philanthropy’s impact .

Posted 9/21/2026full-timePhiladelphia • Pennsylvania • United StatesSenior💰 $77,330 - $104,040 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in major gift fundraising, including the ability to develop and execute strategies for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, closing, and stewarding individual donors. Strong relationship-building and communication skills are essential for engaging with donors, volunteers, and colleagues in a higher education context.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Major Gift FundraisingDonor Engagement StrategiesProspect ManagementRelationship BuildingHigher Education Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

FundraisingProspect TrackingGift SolicitationCultivation StrategiesStewardship ActivitiesDocumentation ManagementTravel CoordinationPortfolio ManagementMeeting FacilitationStrategic Planning

Soft Skills

Interpersonal CommunicationOrganizational SkillsCollaborationCredibility EstablishmentTrust Building

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s DegreeValid Driver’s License

Industry Keywords

Institutional DevelopmentPhilanthropyHigher EducationFundraising GoalsVolunteer Engagement

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop understanding of the University of Pennsylvania’s educational, research, and financial priorities and articulate philanthropy’s impact
Manage a portfolio of approximately 120 non-alumni parent and family prospects and donors focused on $100,000+ gifts
Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, close, and steward outright and planned gifts through individualized engagement plans
Conduct approximately 120 substantive prospect and donor meetings annually
Maintain timely and accurate documentation in the University’s prospect tracking system
Develop and execute cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies with the Executive Director and development colleagues
Coordinate faculty, senior administrators, volunteers, and development colleagues in prospect and donor engagement
Develop and manage complex prospect strategies across University Strategic Philanthropy and Partnerships and school and center development teams
Plan, coordinate, and manage prospect and donor visits, including local and national travel
Engage parent and family volunteers in fundraising and leadership activities, including Penn Parents Council roles
Execute stewardship activities demonstrating philanthropy’s impact
Partner with Annual Giving, Alumni Relations, and other development teams on fundraising and engagement priorities
Perform related duties and assist with special projects as needed

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree and 3–5 years of experience in institutional development, fundraising, or a related field, with demonstrated experience securing outright and/or deferred gifts of $100,000+ from individuals, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required
Experience working in a higher education or academic institution development program is preferred
Demonstrated success in major gift fundraising
Ability to develop and execute strategies for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, closing, and stewarding individual donors
Ability to work independently and contribute effectively within a collaborative, centralized development structure
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Strong relationship-building skills and ability to establish credibility and trust with donors, volunteers, faculty, administrators, and colleagues
Strong organizational and administrative skills, with ability to manage multiple priorities, establish objectives, and develop effective strategies for fundraising goals
Experience with local and national development travel is required
Ability and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends
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, including at other institutions
Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans with pre-tax or Roth options
Substantial time away from work / paid time off
Long-term care insurance
Wellness and work-life resources
Professional and personal development resources
Access to University libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, cultural and recreational activities
Discounts and special services for arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, goods, and services
Flexible work options and hours
Forgivable home ownership loan for eligible employees
Adoption assistance for qualified expenses, up to two adoptions in the household