Senior Director of Development, Penn Athletics

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.

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development & Alumni Relations, the Senior Director of Development will lead a frontline major gift team comprising three major gift officers and the Assistant Athletic Director for Development, who in turn oversees three Assistant Directors of Development.

This position will manage a portfolio of major gift prospects capable of contributing $250,000 or more to Penn Athletics and will oversee day-to-day fundraising and alumni relations activities for multiple varsity sports. In collaboration with an Assistant Director of Development, this includes managing multiple 'sports boards' of 20+ volunteers that meet quarterly and that have a primary focus to support teams in achieving their annual fundraising goals.

The Senior Director will also partner with the Senior Associate Athletic Director to develop and implement fundraising strategies for capital projects and any future university-wide campaigns.

Job Responsibilities

• Manage a personal portfolio of major and leadership gift prospects and develop and execute cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies to secure support for Penn Athletics' strategic priorities.
• Identify and develop a pipeline of high-level gift prospects for immediate and long-term cultivation with a goal of growing the pool of top prospects who can provide significant philanthropic support for Penn Athletics.
• Manage, train, and mentor the front-line fundraising team in close partnership with the Sr. Associate Athletic Director for Development and Alumni Relations.
• Manage the Assistant Athletic Director, Development & Alumni Relations and help create the strategic direction for the Assistant Director of Development team.
• Manage day-to-day fundraising, alumni engagement and volunteer strategy for multiple varsity sports within the Penn Athletics sport portfolio, including enacting strategies to reach annual fundraising goals.
• Manage multiple sports boards, which are comprised of 20+ volunteers with a primary focus of helping varsity teams reach their fundraising targets.
• Partner with Sr. Associate Athletic Director to establish clear performance metrics for each direct report on the frontline fundraising team and schedule regular meetings to review progress towards goals.
• Articulate and communicate Penn Athletics' strategic priorities, aspirations, and values to alumni, parents and friends through informal and formal communications, including written proposals.
• Liaise with Athletic Director's office when Sr. Associate Athletic Director, DAR is out of office advancing Penn Athletics fundraising priorities.
• Work with the Central DAR data alignment team to analyze data, create portfolio strategies and develop a data driven program to maximize the engagement of the Penn Athletics community.
• Work closely with the Sr. Associate Athletic Director, DAR to develop annual goals, plans, and budgets for a comprehensive, strategy-driven fundraising program and participate in the.
• Collaborate with Sr. Associate Athletic Director to develop and execute of a comprehensive plan to maximize the success of Penn Athletics' fundraising efforts.
• Partner with the Athletics Director, Sr. Associate Athletic Director, major gift officers, coaches, lead volunteers and other athletic administrators across the Division and University to maximize philanthropic support for Penn Athletics.
• Partner with Sr. Associate Director of Administration & Volunteer Management to support leadership volunteer initiatives.
• Collaborate with Sr. Associate Athletic Director to develop comprehensive engagement and solicitation strategy for Penn Athletics Board of Advisors.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and 7 to 10 years of fundraising experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Preferred experience with college athletics, specifically athletics fundraising. Significant experience not only in fundraising, but also in advancement management. Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to cultivate, solicit, and close major gifts. Must hold a valid driver's license. Position involves travel and evening/weekend work.

Job Location - City, State: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School: Development and Alumni Relations

Pay Range: $109,000.00 - $160,000.00 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.