Senior Philanthropy Officer

University of Pennsylvania

. Manage a high-level portfolio of alumni, family foundations, and friends capable of or with potential to make gifts of $5 million or more within five years .

Posted 10/15/2026full-timePhiladelphia • Pennsylvania • United StatesSenior💰 $167,379 - $260,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates extensive experience in fundraising, particularly in securing high-impact gifts from high-net-worth individuals, while effectively managing relationships and developing strategic initiatives aligned with donor interests and university priorities.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Fundraising ExperienceHigh-Impact Gift SolicitationInterpersonal SkillsPlanned Giving VehiclesAnalytical Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Gift SolicitationProspect AssessmentFunding Proposal PreparationEvent CoordinationRelationship Management

Soft Skills

Emotional IntelligenceOrganizational SkillsListening SkillsCommunication SkillsTeam Collaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

Master of ScienceMaster of Arts

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationAlumni RelationsDonor EngagementDiversity, Equity, and InclusionPrincipal Gifts

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage a high-level portfolio of alumni, family foundations, and friends capable of or with potential to make gifts of $5 million or more within five years
Monitor and report on donor/prospect activities and gift solicitations
Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward principal-gift-level prospects
Drive personalized engagement with donors and prospects alongside campus partners, senior administrators, faculty, boards of advisors, and volunteers
Travel 25–30 percent of the time to develop relationships with Penn parents, alumni, and friends
Represent Penn’s priorities within an overall vision for the University
Identify, develop, and refine compelling gift opportunities aligned with donor interests and University priorities
Align prospective donors with volunteer leadership opportunities, committees, activities, and events
Articulate the case for support for Penn and its Schools and centers
Conceptualize, plan, and spearhead large-scale interdisciplinary initiatives and programs
Plan, coordinate, and direct visits and special events for principal-gift prospects and donors
Prepare cultivation materials, funding proposals, talking points, prospect assessments, briefings, and stewardship reports
Document substantive prospect contacts and coordinate key efforts among interested parties
Develop programs and initiatives to increase the principal-gifts pipeline and move prospects into the $5 million+ category
Advise Development and Alumni Relations colleagues on relationship-building ideas and fundraising strategies
Assist in evaluating and designing appeals to principal-gift prospects
Maintain knowledge of the University’s intellectual content and developments across academia
Maintain knowledge of regional, national, and international funding environments
Serve as a resource and role model to staff on prospect strategy and creative solicitation approaches
Foster transparency, clarity, agility, mutual respect, and future-oriented performance
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master of Science or Master of Arts and 7 to 10 years of demonstrated, successful fundraising experience, preferably in higher education, including a track record securing high-impact gifts ($1M+) from individuals, or equivalent combination of education and experience is required
Extensive experience working with high-net-worth individuals and volunteers
Ability to travel at least 25 percent of the time, locally, regionally, and nationally; internationally as required
Superb interpersonal, listening, organizational, and analytical skills
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Experience with planned giving vehicles and structuring blended gifts
Emotional intelligence to navigate complicated organizations, relationships, and ambiguity
Ability to work independently while contributing to a total team effort in a fast-paced, complex environment
Ability to interact regularly and collaborate efficiently with development officers in varying programs
Travel, evening/weekend work, and valid driver’s license preferred
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
Pre-tax or Roth retirement savings options with 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 libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, 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, up to two adoptions in your household