Assistant Director, Engagement and Events

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Assistant Director, Engagement and Events

Job Profile Title

Associate Director B, Development, Events

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director of Development (EDoD), the Assistant Director, Engagement and Events leads the Libraries' strategic event and engagement portfolio. This position develops, plans, and executes high-touch, mission-aligned engagement opportunities-including board meetings, regional cultivation events, on-campus programs, and development-adjacent initiatives-to strengthen donor and stakeholder relationships and advance Penn Libraries fundraising goals.

The Assistant Director serves as the primary project manager for the Libraries' donor-facing engagement calendar; coordinates across internal and external partners; and ensures events are executed with sophistication, consistency, and strategic alignment. The role also supports stewardship by planning campus visits and ensuring meaningful, personalized experiences.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

Manage Board Meeting Logistics

• Plan, organize, and execute two annual on-campus Board of Advisors meetings.
• Provide end-to-end logistical, technical, and catering support.
• Build infrastructure enabling senior leadership and volunteers to participate meaningfully.
• Ensure gatherings align with institutional priorities and development goals.

Plan and Execute Regional Engagement Events

• Partner with the EDoD and Senior Major Gift Officers to plan cultivation events in New York and other major cities inhabited by Libraries donors.
• Manage logistics including registration, venues, vendors, timelines, briefings, and follow-up.
• Design experiences that advance donor cultivation pipelines.

Coordinate On-Campus Donor Programs

• Collaborate with Penn Alumni Relations, the Kislak Center, and Libraries Development colleagues for Homecoming, Reunion Weekend, and similar programs.
• Ensure events align with Penn Libraries' mission and donor engagement strategies.

Manage Development-Adjacent Initiatives

• Support programs aligned with development goals but outside standard cultivation categories, like the Penn Libraries Book Prize in Sustainability and the Building Bridges Program.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to enhance impact and visibility.

Support Campus Visits

• Partner with gift officers to provide logistics for campus visits by board members, donors, prospects, and their families.
• Prepare materials, coordinate schedules, and ensure follow-through after visits.

Please provide a resume and cover letter in order to be considered for this role. Please upload all documents in the "Resume/CV" section of the application prior to submitting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, and 2 to 3 years of relevant experience in event planning, development, donor relations, or related fields or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, and execute high-level events.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with senior leaders, volunteers, donors, and partners.
• Adaptability and comfort in a fast-paced, goal-driven environment.
• Ability to work evenings and travel regionally as needed.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Development and Alumni Relations

Pay Range

$64,500.00 - $68,000.00 Annual Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.