Associate Vice President for Major Gifts

University of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 220,000 - 325,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Pennsylvania seeks an Associate Vice President for Major Gifts to lead the Office of Major Gifts and drive a growth-oriented donor pipeline across schools and centers.

The AVP will mentor a team, guide strategic data analysis, and collaborate with DAR leadership to increase major gift activity and donor engagement nationwide. This role reports to the Chief Philanthropy Officer and requires travel and high-level donor interactions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree with 10+ years in development and leadership; advanced degree preferred.
• Experience with high-net-worth individuals domestically and internationally.
• Proven manager of fundraising teams with multiple levels of expertise.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral.
• Willing to travel and work evenings; valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct a high-functioning major gifts team to achieve optimum results.
• Communicate financial and KPI results to staff; establish priorities for all staff.
• Manage staffing needs and identify organizational development opportunities.
• Guide talent identification, development, and outcomes across the unit.
• Set performance expectations and provide ongoing feedback and coaching.
• Foster collaboration and inclusive culture across Penn's schools and centers.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to grow major gifts nationwide.
• Personally manage a portfolio of 20-30 prospects for high seven-figure gifts.
• Build relationships with senior leaders and work with DAR and USPP leadership.

Skills

Major gifts leadership

Donor engagement

Strategic planning

Advanced communication

Travel & evenings willingness

Team leadership

Mentoring staff

Data-informed decisions

High-net-worth fundraising

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's Degree and 10+ years in development and leadership

Job description

Associate Vice President for Major Gifts

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer inPhiladelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research,and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranksamong the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & WorldReport survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provideopportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education,all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach toscholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been rankednationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbeswho named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Posted Job Title

Associate Vice President for Major Gifts

Job Profile Title

Associate Vice President, Development, Fundraising

Job Description Summary

The Associate Vice President for Major Gifts (AVP) is a seniorleadership position within University Strategic Philanthropy &Partnerships (USPP), responsible for building a sustainable andgrowth-oriented pipeline of major gifts in support of Universitypriorities. The AVP oversees the Office of Major Gifts, includingits on-campus team and regional office in New York City, andprovides leadership, mentorship, and strategic direction to theteam. The AVP will strategically and opportunistically guide andexpand a team responsible for cultivating donors and solicitinggifts in support of priorities at all schools, centers, and unitsacross the University, employing a donor-centric approach andproactively fundraising for the University's greatestpriorities.

The AVP will develop and set the direction for the team,establishing a strong culture of collaboration, collegiality, andcreative vision, with a goal of increasing the pipeline ofmajor-gift donors and gifts to the University. The AVP willmobilize the team, direct strategic data analysis of the program,and position the office for increased and diverse prospectengagement and substantial fundraising growth well into the future,in close alignment with Penn's broader philanthropic priorities andcampaign planning.

Reporting to the Chief Philanthropy Officer, overseeing UniversityStrategic Philanthropy & Partnerships (USPP), the AVP must be astrategic and visionary leader, able to translate University needsinto exciting giving opportunities and to build lastingpartnerships across DAR and with school and centerleadership.

This individual must have the ability to authentically inspire andmotivate a multi-tiered team, building enthusiasm and a sense ofpride in the collective accomplishments of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR). The AVP must have substantial experience managingmultiple major gift officers and senior fundraising leaders andunderstand the importance of data to inform fundraising decisionsand program evolution. The AVP must communicate exceptionally well,cultivating relationships and trusted partnerships with colleaguesacross Penn, from fellow DAR colleagues to the most seniorUniversity leaders.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Lead and direct a high-functioning major gifts team to achieveoptimum results by:
• Communicating financial and key performance indicators andresults to staff members
• Establishing priorities and goals for all staff
• Managing staffing needs and identifying areas fororganizational development, updates, or changes
• Guiding the talent identification and professional developmentneeds, processes, and outcomes within the entire unit, in line withthe University's diversity and inclusion priorities
• Setting clear performance expectations and holding staffaccountable for outcomes through frequent feedback andcoaching
• Ensuring open communication among team members, engaging inteam-building efforts, and holding regular staff meetings thatembrace and support the group's diversity
• Inspiring and motivating staff to achieve optimum results
• Develop and implement a strategic plan to strengthen engagementof major-gift-capable prospects across the country, with particularfocus on traditionally under-engaged areas, with a goal ofincreasing the pipeline of major-gift-capable donors; realalignand/or increase staffing of the team to maximize productivity.
• Manage a portfolio of 20-30 prospects with the ability to makehigh seven-figure gifts to Penn. Personally identify, cultivate,solicit, and steward a select portfolio of prospects, engaging themacross all schools and centers at Penn.
• Establish oneself as a university leader in major gifts,developing a cohort of major gift officers who can learn from oneanother, engage and support each other, and serve as a resource forfundraising colleagues across schools and centers.
• Conceptualize and host periodic gatherings of the group, aswell as colleagues across campus, to share best practices anddiscuss relevant and timely topics, encouraging activeparticipation. Maintain a clear understanding of the landscape andboth historical and current trends that could impact major giftfundraising and communicate these to all major gift colleagues andteams across campus.
• Implement and support ongoing training of all major gifts staffto ensure they are always knowledgeable about the University andhave the language they need to enthusiastically engage prospectsand convert them to donors.
• In collaboration with the team, devise a multi-year strategicplan to guide the team's efforts. Be aspirational in creatingvision and goals and thoughtfully guide the team throughimplementation.
• Develop key performance indicators and consistently utilizedata to analyze team performance and program growth, employingforecasting to anticipate how the program will continue to grow.Make and encourage data-driven decision-making across theteam.
• Work closely with the Office of Advancement Prospect Analytics(APA) to create reporting that will track progress to goal,performance metrics, growth trajectory, and other metrics needed toassess the health of the program.
• Create a plan for volunteer involvement at the major giftslevel. Understand what peer institutions are doing and bolster avolunteer plan that will continue to best serve the needs of Pennand the donor.
• Oversee a dual-ask approach for major gifts to Penn, with afocus on soliciting prospects for The Penn Fund and incorporatingthis ask into gift agreements, driving growth of both scholarshipand unrestricted, current-use dollars for The Penn Fund.
• Cultivate strong relationships with all school and centerdirectors of development, engaging in strategic dialogue aroundtheir priorities and communicating such information back to theteam.
• Build a strong relationship with the Reunion Giving team toleverage as an opportunity to engage less-engaged alumni, as wellas to maximize major gift giving from these constituencies.
• Serve as a core member of USPP's senior leadership team,representing the major gifts program in broader DAR strategicplanning, budgeting, and cross-divisional initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and over 10 years of years of progressivelyresponsible development and leadership experience, includingsuccessful engagement and gift closure with major gift donors, orequivalent combination of education and experience. Advanced degreepreferred.
• Experience working in a higher education setting with a highlevel of comfort and effectiveness working with high-net-worthindividuals, domestically and internationally.
• Proven experience as a manager and leader of fundraising teamswith multiple levels of expertise.
• Ability to set objectives and performance standards, provideconstructive feedback, and achieve established program goals.
• Experience working effectively in a complex institutionalsetting, developing and sustaining productive and effectiverelationships with donors, faculty, colleagues, and seniorleadership.
• Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to function independently yet relate comfortably in amultifaceted and complex fundraising environment, participating inand contributing to a total team effort.
• Must be willing to travel and work evenings as needed; validdriver's license required.
• Demonstrated history of effective performance within demanding,deadline-driven environments. Must be self-motivated with a strongwork ethic and sense of urgency.
• Ability to engage in high-level strategic discussions, usejudgment in synthesizing complex information, and contributemeaningful analysis of situations and relationships.
• Ability to articulate in both spoken and written word at a veryhigh level, including strong writing and editing skills. Ability totranslate complex information into clear, concise reportingmaterials with well-thought-out background, strategies, and messagepoints to advance an agenda.
• Ability to anticipate opportunities and challenges and beproactive in addressing concerns and advancing agendas.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiplecomplex projects simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to functionwith diplomacy, lead with confidence, and provide strategic visionto advance the goals of DAR and the University. Ability to mentorothers, both direct reports and colleagues workingcollaboratively.
• Unwavering commitment to excellence in work product andattention to detail.
• Demonstrated experience working with senior-level officers andability to interact comfortably with colleagues, faculty,administrators, executives, and other staff.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all privilegedinformation.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Development and Alumni Relations

Pay Range

$220,000.00 - $325,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications,experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to therequirements of the position, and in alignment with salary rangesbased on external market data for the job's level. Internalorganization 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), citizenshipstatus, age, disability, veteran status or any class protectedunder applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements

Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer ismade. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to therequirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Pennoffers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health,dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and yourfamily's health and welfare. You can also use flexible spendingaccounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent careexpenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuitionbenefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can gettuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are alsoeligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans tohelp you save for your future. Penn's Basic, Matching, andSupplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on apre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investmentoptions through TIAA and Vanguard.
• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with asubstantial amount of time away from work during the course of theyear. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personalaffairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time withfamily-whatever your personal needs may be.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with GenworthFinancial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible familymembers) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of thecosts of long-term care services received at home, in the communityor in a nursing facility. If you apply when you're newly hired, youwon't have to provide proof of good health or be subject tounderwriting requirements. Eligible family members must alwaysprovide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed tosupporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competingdemands of work and personal life. That's why we offer a widevariety of programs and resources to help you care for your health,your family, and your work-life balance.
• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides anarray of resources to help you advance yourself personally andprofessionally.
• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community,you have access to a wide range of University resources as well ascultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of theUniversity's libraries and athletic facilities, or visit ourarboretum and art galleries. There's always something going on atPenn, whether it's a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latestmusic or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the PennRelays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a memberof the Penn community, you're right in the middle of theexcitement-and you and your family can enjoy many of theseactivities for free.
• Discounts and Special Services: From arts andentertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find greatdeals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts andcultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admissionand memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoysubstantial savings on other goods and services such as new carsfrom Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movietickets, and admission to theme parks.
• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offercreative approaches for completing work while promoting balancebetween work and personal commitments. These approaches involve useof non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or jobstructures.
• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivableloan for eligible employees interested in buying a home orcurrently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used forclosing costs or home improvements.
• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligibleemployees on qualified expenses in connection with the legaladoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for upto two adoptions in your household.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay

Equal Employment 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), citizenshipstatus, age, disability, veteran status or any class protectedunder applicable federal, state, or local law.