"Major Gifts Officer for Penn Global"

Major Gifts Officer for Penn Global

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
Major Gifts Officer for Penn Global

Job Profile Title
Major Gifts Officer

Job Description Summary
The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) for Penn Global plays a key role in advancing the fundraising goals of Penn Global. Reporting directly to the Associate Vice President for University Strategic Philanthropy and Projects, Central Major Gifts, and with a dotted reporting line to the Director of Finance & Operations, Penn Global, the MGO manages and builds a portfolio of prospects and donors capable of making gifts of $25,000 and above, with a focus on discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

The MGO is responsible for identifying and engaging prospects who are alumni and parents of the University, but also individuals who are not yet in our network but whose interests align with the aspirations of Penn Global. The MGO works collaboratively with colleagues in International Development, Major Gifts, Principal Gifts, Parents Program and Gift Planning to further cultivate and steward current donors to Penn Global and build a pipeline for future supporters.

The role also supports stewardship and volunteer management for the Perry World House Advisory Board, strengthening relationships among alumni, parents, and friends to enhance Penn's global engagement and impact. Furthermore, the MGO will partner with colleagues in both DAR and Penn Global to hone the case for support and funding priorities. The MGO will give input on strategic decisions about fundraising related travel for the senior members of Penn Global and Perry World House.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Fundraising and Prospect Management
  • Build, manage, and expand a portfolio of 100 - 125 prospects capable of making gifts of $25,000 or more, with a focus on discovery and long-term pipeline development.
  • Conduct proactive discovery work to identify new domestic prospects for Penn Global and Perry World House.
  • Meet prospects and donors for individual meetings around the country and on campus as needed.
  • Develop and implement individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies for assigned prospects.
  • Prepare and deliver compelling proposals, gift agreements, and stewardship materials that clearly articulate the case for support and impact of philanthropy.
  • Solicit annual, major, and leadership-level gifts to support Penn Global and Perry World House priorities.
  • Record and track all activity and outcomes in the university's development database, ensuring effective moves management.
• Collaboration and Strategic Integration
  • Work closely with International Development, Major Gifts, Principal Gifts, Parents Program and Gift Planning colleagues to align fundraising strategies and coordinate outreach to shared prospects.
  • Collaborate with Penn Global and Perry World House leadership and central development partners to identify funding priorities and philanthropic opportunities.
  • Partner with Corporate and Foundation Relations as appropriate to advance opportunities for grants and sponsorships for key priorities.
• Stewardship and Donor Engagement
  • Design and implement thoughtful stewardship plans to ensure meaningful engagement and continued support from donors.
  • Collaborate with the Penn Global communications and events teams to plan cultivation, recognition, and engagement activities.
  • Ensure timely and personalized follow-up with all donors and volunteers.
  • Coordinate engagement and stewardship with DAR colleagues as needed.
• Volunteer and Board Management
  • Support the Perry World House Advisory Board, including planning meetings, assisting with recruitment, tracking board terms, and communicate expectations.
  • Work with board and volunteer leaders to strengthen Penn Global's visibility and network both domestically and internationally.
  • Identify potential new volunteer and advisory leaders who can advance Penn Global's philanthropic mission.
  • Collaborate with the central international Boards, like Penn EMEA Leadership Committee and Penn Asia Leadership Committee to drive engagement and interest in the University's global work.

**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 of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and 3 to 5 years of successful fundraising experience preferably in higher education or a complex nonprofit environment or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Advanced degree preferred.
• Proven ability to cultivate, solicit, and close gifts at the $25,000+ level.
• Demonstrated experience in prospect discovery and pipeline building.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and writing skills; ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Collaborative and collegial working style; adept at working across teams and with senior administrators, faculty, and volunteers.
• Must have ability to manage multiple projects in a goal- and deadline-oriented environment, and to work independently and as a strong team player.
• Should be able to analyze and concisely articulate issues and to work with a diverse group of constituents.
• Strong strategic and conceptual abilities necessary to succeed within complex and goal-oriented environment.
• Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Familiarity with international fundraising or cross-border giving is highly desirable.
• Willingness to travel domestically and to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
Development and Alumni Relations

Pay Range
$76,000.00 - $105,000.00 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.