Athletics Development Executive Director

University of Pennsylvania; United (PA); On-site; USD 111,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Life, and Flexible Spending

Tuition benefits

Retirement plans

Wellness and Work-life Resources

Professional and Personal Development

University Resources

Flexible Work Hours

Penn Home Ownership Services

Adoption Assistance

Job summary

The University of Pennsylvania seeks an Executive Director of Development to lead Penn Athletics fundraising and alumni engagement. You will oversee a frontline team, manage a substantial portfolio of major gift prospects, and set the strategic direction for development across multiple varsity sports.

Reporting to senior leadership, you will build high-level strategies, collaborate with central development staff, and guide volunteers and boards to achieve annual and long-term fundraising goals,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and 7–10 years of experience.
• Experience with Athletics fundraising in higher education preferred.
• Proven ability to manage a portfolio of high-capacity prospects.
• Strong relationship-building and communication with senior leaders.
• Experience supervising professional staff and coaching.
• Willingness to travel; valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Lead a frontline major gift team and set goals.
• Oversee fundraising, alumni engagement and volunteer strategy for multiple varsity sports.
• Manage portfolio of 100+ major gift prospects and cultivation.
• Develop pipeline of high-level gift prospects.
• Collaborate with data teams to analyze data and inform strategies.
• Plan annual goals, budgets, and comprehensive fundraising strategies.
• Partner with Athletics and university leaders to maximize philanthropy.
• Engage Board of Advisors and coordinate communications and meetings.
• Communicate DRIA's priorities to alumni and donors.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Relationship-building

Communication skills

Staff supervision

Problem solving

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Arts

Job description

The University of Pennsylvania seeks an Executive Director of Development to lead Penn Athletics fundraising and alumni engagement. You will oversee a frontline team, manage a substantial portfolio of major gift prospects, and set the strategic direction for development across multiple varsity sports.

Reporting to senior leadership, you will build high-level strategies, collaborate with central development staff, and guide volunteers and boards to achieve annual and long-term fundraising goals,