Associate Vice President Major Gifts

Position: Associate Vice President for Major Gifts
Hybrid Eligible

FMC Tower

Full time

JR

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

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 senior leadership position within University Strategic Philanthropy & Partnerships (USPP), responsible for building a sustainable and growth-oriented pipeline of major gifts in support of University priorities. The AVP oversees the Office of Major Gifts, including its on-campus team and regional office in New York City, and provides leadership, mentorship, and strategic direction to the team.

The AVP will strategically and opportunistically guide and expand a team responsible for cultivating donors and soliciting gifts in support of priorities at all schools, centers, and units across the University, employing a donor-centric approach and proactively fundraising for the University's greatest priorities.

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

Reporting to the Chief Philanthropy Officer, overseeing University Strategic Philanthropy & Partnerships (USPP), the AVP must be a strategic and visionary leader, able to translate University needs into exciting giving opportunities and to build lasting partnerships across DAR and with school and center leadership.

This individual must have the ability to authentically inspire and motivate a multi-tiered team, building enthusiasm and a sense of pride in the collective accomplishments of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR). The AVP must have substantial experience managing multiple major gift officers and senior fundraising leaders and understand the importance of data to inform fundraising decisions and program evolution. The AVP must communicate exceptionally well, cultivating relationships and trusted partnerships with colleagues across Penn, from fellow DAR…