Associate Vice President – Major Gifts

University of Pennsylvania

. Lead and direct the major gifts team to achieve optimum results .

Posted 9/29/2026full-timePhiladelphia • Pennsylvania • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $220,000 - $325,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in major gift fundraising, strategic planning, and team leadership within a higher education context. Proven ability to engage high-net-worth individuals and manage complex relationships while achieving performance goals.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Major Gift FundraisingStrategic PlanningTeam LeadershipDonor EngagementPerformance Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Data AnalysisPerformance IndicatorsPortfolio ManagementFundraising StrategyProject Management

Soft Skills

Communication SkillsInterpersonal SkillsOrganizational SkillsMentoringSelf-Motivation

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's DegreeAdvanced Degree Preferred

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationMajor GiftsDonor RelationsFundraising TeamsAlumni Engagement

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and direct the major gifts team to achieve optimum results
Communicate financial and key performance indicators and results to staff
Establish priorities and goals for all staff
Manage staffing needs and identify organizational development opportunities
Guide talent identification and professional development across the unit
Set performance expectations and hold staff accountable through feedback and coaching
Ensure open communication, team building, and regular staff meetings
Inspire and motivate staff
Develop and implement a strategic plan to strengthen engagement of major-gift-capable prospects across the country
Realign or increase team staffing to maximize productivity
Manage a portfolio of 20–30 prospects capable of making high seven-figure gifts
Personally identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects across Penn schools and centers
Establish a university-wide major gifts leadership cohort
Host gatherings to share best practices and discuss relevant topics
Monitor historical and current trends affecting major gift fundraising
Implement and support ongoing training for major gifts staff
Devise and implement a multi-year strategic plan for the team
Develop key performance indicators and use data, forecasting, and performance analysis to guide growth
Collaborate with Advancement Prospect Analytics to create program reporting
Create a volunteer involvement plan for major gifts
Oversee a dual-ask approach for major gifts, including The Penn Fund
Build relationships with school and center development directors
Partner with the Reunion Giving team to engage alumni and maximize major gift giving
Serve on USPP's senior leadership team and represent major gifts in strategic planning, budgeting, and cross-divisional initiatives

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's Degree
Over 10 years of progressively responsible development and leadership experience
Successful engagement and gift closure with major gift donors
Equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Advanced degree preferred
Experience working in a higher education setting
Comfort and effectiveness working with high-net-worth individuals, domestically and internationally
Proven experience managing and leading fundraising teams with multiple levels of expertise
Ability to set objectives and performance standards, provide constructive feedback, and achieve program goals
Experience working effectively in a complex institutional setting
Experience developing and sustaining productive relationships with donors, faculty, colleagues, and senior leadership
Exceptional oral and written communication skills
Ability to function independently and contribute to a total team effort
Must be willing to travel and work evenings as needed
Valid driver's license required
Effective performance in demanding, deadline-driven environments
Self-motivated with a strong work ethic and sense of urgency
Ability to engage in high-level strategic discussions and synthesize complex information
Very high-level spoken and written articulation, including strong writing and editing skills
Ability to translate complex information into clear, concise reporting materials
Ability to anticipate opportunities and challenges and proactively address concerns
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
Excellent interpersonal skills, diplomacy, confidence, and strategic vision
Ability to mentor direct reports and colleagues
Commitment to excellence and attention to detail
Experience working with senior-level officers and interacting with colleagues, faculty, administrators, executives, and staff
Ability to maintain confidentiality of privileged information
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
Pre-tax or Roth retirement savings options
Substantial time away from work / paid time off
Long-term care insurance
Wellness and work-life programs and resources
Professional and personal development resources
Access to University libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, museums, and cultural and recreational activities
Discounts on arts, entertainment, 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 homeownership loan for eligible employees in West Philadelphia
Adoption assistance for qualified expenses, for up to two adoptions in the household