Major Gifts Officer for Penn Global

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.

Job Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Design and implement thoughtful stewardship plans to ensure meaningful engagement and continued support from donors.
• Support the Perry World House Advisory Board, including planning meetings, assisting with recruitment, tracking board terms, and communicate expectations.

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.
• Familiarity with international fundraising or cross-border giving is highly desirable.
• Willingness to travel domestically and to work evenings and weekends as needed.