"Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives, 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

Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives, Wharton External Affairs

Job Profile Title

Director D, Development, Fundraising

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 dynamic community of staff, bringing a wide range of skills, experiences, and perspectives. To learn more, visit www.wharton.upenn.edu.

The Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives plays a critical role in enhancing and supporting the Wharton School's fundraising efforts by leading initiatives that align with and advance the School's strategic priorities. Reporting to the Senior Managing Director of Development, the Senior Director serves as a key thought partner and project manager across the External Affairs division, Wharton faculty leadership, and University stakeholders. This individual manages a focused portfolio of prospects whose philanthropic interests align with institutional goals, ensuring that cultivation strategies and cases for support are tailored to those intersections.

Job Description

In collaboration with major and principal gift teams, the Senior Director acts as a strategic development partner-identifying compelling funding opportunities, shaping thoughtful engagement plans, and advancing the School's highest-priority initiatives. A central part of the role involves building and maintaining a robust pipeline of prospective donors aligned with Wharton's funding needs, while proactively identifying new opportunities that support emerging initiatives and broader campaign objectives.

The Senior Director works closely with School and Center leadership-including research center faculty, program directors, and Senior Vice Deans-to support the articulation of funding needs, develop persuasive cases for support, and facilitate meaningful engagement with potential donors. As Wharton prepares for future campaign efforts, the Senior Director provides strategic leadership in the execution of high-impact initiatives that strengthen alumni philanthropic engagement.

Additionally, the Senior Director partners with the External Affairs communications team to ensure messaging and outreach materials align with fundraising goals and clearly represent academic and programmatic priorities. This role requires a strategic thinker and strong collaborator who can translate institutional priorities into compelling opportunities for donor investment.

Job Responsibilities

• Manage a focused portfolio of prospects whose philanthropic interests align with Wharton's strategic priorities, tailor cultivation strategies and cases for support accordingly.
• Collaborate with the major and principal gift teams to identify funding opportunities, develop engagement strategies, and advance the School's top initiatives.
• Build and sustain a robust pipeline of prospective donors aligned with key funding priorities; proactively identify and assess new donor opportunities.
• Partner with School and Center leadership-faculty directors, program directors, Senior Vice Deans-to define funding needs, shape cases for support, and engage donors effectively.
• Collaborates with fundraising and communication teams to align messaging with fundraising goals and effectively represent academic and program needs.
• Strategically prepare the Wharton School for campaign design and readiness, working with administrators and colleagues across the School and the University.

Qualifications

A Bachelor of Science and 7 to 10 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Experience managing complex issues and problem-solving. Excellent writing and communication skills. Supervisory experience and/or experience in managing department budgets preferred. Demonstrated ability to set priorities and work efficiently in a highly pressured environment. Must have keen interpersonal and organizational skills and excellent judgment. At all times, must exhibit a high degree of diplomacy, tact, and a strong sense of discretion. Excellent organizational skills as well as the ability to relate to all levels of personnel required. Must be able to react to time-sensitive matters as well as manage complex, longer-term initiatives. Experience in both nonprofit/higher education and corporate contexts strongly preferred.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Wharton School

Pay Range

$133,000.00 - $200,000.00 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements

Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

Details on health, life, flexible spending accounts, tuition, retirement, time away from work, long-term care insurance, wellness resources, professional development, university resources, discounts, flexible work hours, home ownership services, and adoption assistance.