Senior Major Gift Officer

University of Pennsylvania

. Manage a top-tier portfolio of approximately 150 donors and prospects .

Posted 9/24/2026full-timePhiladelphia • Pennsylvania • United StatesSenior💰 $92,592 - $122,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in managing donor relationships and executing major gifts fundraising strategies, with a strong emphasis on international markets and cultural fluency. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders while achieving ambitious fundraising goals.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Major Gifts FundraisingInternational Fundraising ExperienceDatabase ManagementStrong Communication SkillsEvent Coordination

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

FundraisingMoves ManagementProspect QualificationPhilanthropic CommitmentRegional Fundraising PracticesProject ManagementCultural Norms KnowledgePlanning and OrganizationGoal-Oriented ExecutionDonor Pipeline Development

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsDiplomacyCultural FluencyMaturityCreativity Under Pressure

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficeSalesforceInstitutional Database

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor of ScienceBachelor of ArtsValid PassportDriver's License

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationPhilanthropyDonor RelationsAlumni EngagementInternational Markets

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage a top-tier portfolio of approximately 150 donors and prospects
Execute identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship through comprehensive moves management
Develop and conduct visits with donors and prospects having giving capacity of $100,000 or more
Meet annual goals for donor and prospect visits, solicitations, and philanthropic commitments
Record prospect information and contacts accurately and promptly in the institutional database
Collaborate with fundraisers across the department and University on relationship-building with alumni and School constituents
Coordinate cultivation events and programs hosted by the School or assigned prospects
Staff programs in the designated geographic region
Design, plan, and implement a major gifts plan extending Penn Engineering’s international reach
Build the Engineering prospect base and donor pipeline
Develop and maintain regional knowledge of assigned international markets
Represent Penn Engineering in key international markets
Work with School leadership, faculty, volunteers, alumni, and University colleagues to advance institutional priorities
Report to the Director of Development
Travel extensively throughout the year, sometimes for up to two weeks at a time, to varied countries in a single trip
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts
5 to 7 years of progressive experience in fundraising, with emphasis on international major gifts and principal gifts fundraising, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Ability to function independently with assigned prospects while collaborating with fundraising colleagues
Maturity, diplomacy, cultural fluency, and interpersonal skills for working with faculty, school leadership, CEO-level contacts, donors, prospects, board members, volunteers, and international colleagues
Demonstrated ability or commitment to develop regional expertise in fundraising practices, philanthropic trends, and cultural norms
Strong oral and written communication skills
Excellent planning and organizational skills, with attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple projects, issues, and solicitations creatively, thoroughly, and confidentially under pressure
Ability to travel extensively domestically and internationally, including extended periods
Valid passport and driver’s license required
Evening and weekend work required, including major events and on-campus and off-campus activities outside normal business hours
Entrepreneurial inclination and capacity for hard work in a goal-oriented environment
Familiarity with database manipulation and computer software, preferably Microsoft Office and Salesforce
Knowledge of university environment and academic mission preferred
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 with TIAA and Vanguard investment choices
Substantial time away from work
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 and special services, including arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, vehicles, cellular phone plans, movie tickets, and theme parks
Flexible work options and flexible work hours
Forgivable home ownership loan for eligible employees in West Philadelphia
Adoption assistance for qualified expenses, for up to two adoptions in the household