Engagement & Events Director, Library Donor Programs

Trustees of University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Pennsylvania Libraries is recruiting for an Assistant Director of Engagement and Events who will lead major donor relations, campus events, and strategic engagement programs. This role requires coordinating high-level events across multiple stakeholders and campuses, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and development goals.

As a pivotal member of the Libraries development team, you will plan logistics for board meetings, cultivation events in major cities, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts required; 2–3 years of experience or equivalent.
• 3–5 years of relevant experience in event planning, development, donor relations, or related fields preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, and execute high-level events.

Responsibilities

• Manage Board Meeting Logistics: Plan, organize, and execute two annual on-campus Board of Advisors meetings; Provide end-to-end logistical, technical, and catering support.
• Plan and Execute Regional Engagement Events: Partner with the EDoD and Senior Major Gift Officers to plan cultivation events in New York and other major cities inhabited by Libraries donors; Manage logistics including registration, venues, vendors, timelines, briefings, and follow-up.
• Coordinate On-Campus Donor Programs: Collaborate with Penn Alumni Relations, the Kislak Center, and Libraries Development colleagues for Homecoming, Reunion Weekend, and similar programs.
• Manage Development-Adjacent Initiatives: Support programs aligned with development goals but outside standard cultivation categories, like the Penn Libraries Book Prize in Sustainability and the Building Bridges Program.
• Support Campus Visits: Partner with gift officers to provide logistics for campus visits by board members, donors, prospects, and their families; Prepare materials, coordinate schedules, and ensure follow-through after visits.

Skills

Event planning

Donor relations

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Arts

Job description

The University of Pennsylvania Libraries is recruiting for an Assistant Director of Engagement and Events who will lead major donor relations, campus events, and strategic engagement programs. This role requires coordinating high-level events across multiple stakeholders and campuses, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and development goals.

As a pivotal member of the Libraries development team, you will plan logistics for board meetings, cultivation events in major cities, and