Director of Regional Development, Wharton External Affairs

Job Details

Director of Regional Development, Wharton External Affairs

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

Director of Regional Development, Wharton External Affairs

Job Profile Title

Major Gifts Officer/Executive Level

Job Description Summary

Wharton School Overview

Founded in 1881 as the world's first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is shaping the future of business by incubating ideas, driving insights, and creating leaders who change the world. With campuses in both Philadelphia and San Francisco, Wharton has over 850 staff, a faculty population of more than 235 renowned professors, and 5,000 undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral students. Each year 13,000 professionals from around the world advance their careers through Wharton Executive Education's individual, company-customized, and online programs. More than 104,000 Wharton alumni form a powerful global network of leaders who transform business every day. Wharton is home to a diverse population of staff, representing a rich array of backgrounds, expertise, and cultures. To learn more, visit www.wharton.upenn.edu.

Wharton External Affairs serves as the gateway for alumni, friends, and partners to remain actively engaged with the Wharton community. The department fosters meaningful connections among alumni, faculty, and students, facilitates philanthropic partnerships, and strengthens lifelong ties to the School.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Major and Planned Gifts, The Director of Regional Development provides strategic leadership for regional fundraising and engagement efforts. This role leads a team of major gift officers and is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospects with a giving capacity of $250,000 and above within an assigned region.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of major gift officers, setting clear goals, evaluating performance, and supporting professional development to drive strong results across key fundraising metrics.
• Personally manage a portfolio of approximately 75 top-tier prospects with a giving capacity of $250,000 or more, meeting established goals for prospect visits, solicitations, and closed gifts.
• Develop and execute regional fundraising strategies aligned with the School's major gifts program. Serve as a key liaison to the Dean, Chief Advancement Officer, senior administrators, and faculty to advance fundraising priorities. Partner closely with academic leadership to effectively leverage relationships in support of philanthropic objectives.
• Collaborate with colleagues across External Affairs and the broader University to strengthen alumni engagement and advance comprehensive relationship-building efforts on behalf of the School.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 7 to 10 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Demonstrated success managing a portfolio of high-capacity prospects.
• Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills, with experience engaging senior leadership, faculty, and high-level external stakeholders.
• Proven experience supervising and developing professional staff, including goal-setting, performance management, and coaching.
• Strong strategic planning skills with the ability to develop and execute regional fundraising strategies aligned with institutional priorities.
• Advanced professional skills in complex problem-solving, decision-making, and navigating multifaceted donor situations.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Wharton School

Pay Range

$109,000.00 - $150,000.00 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.