Assistant Class Giving Director, The Penn Fund

The University of Pennsylvania, a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation, is the largest private employer in Philadelphia. Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities by U.S. News & World Report, Penn offers a unique working environment with 12 highly-regarded schools and a beautiful urban campus. Philadelphia provides rich cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities.

About the Role

Established in 1927, The Penn Fund supports the University’s mission by raising both dollars and donors to enhance undergraduate life and learning. The Assistant Class Giving Director will work closely with alumni volunteers and development colleagues to meet class fundraising goals, with a focus on quinquennial reunion classes. This role involves managing an individual prospect portfolio, conducting outreach (virtual and in-person), and collaborating within the broader Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) framework. The position requires integrity, collegiality, and a commitment to diversity, transparency, and mutual respect.

Responsibilities

• Frontline Fundraising:
  • Regularly connect with prospective donors and volunteers through visits (virtual and in-person), phone, and email.
  • Meet with prospects to increase philanthropic support, emphasizing leadership annual giving ($2,500+) and endowed scholarship solicitations ($125,000+).
  • Solicit non-reunion undergraduate alumni leadership donors and those contributing below leadership levels across assigned classes.
  • Document all prospect actions in the internal database for University-wide information sharing.
• Volunteer Management:
  • Recruit, train, and manage reunion class giving committees and volunteers within assigned portfolios.
  • Motivate volunteers to support solicitation efforts and communicate progress toward goals.
  • Create and analyze data/reports, submitting accurate and timely database updates for volunteer and donor activity.
• Additional Duties:
  • Staff additional reunion and/or non-reunion classes, especially during team vacancies.
  • Serve as a liaison to partner teams across the division.
  • Assist with or lead planning and execution of annual volunteer and donor events.

Requirements

• B.A./B.S. and 1–2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles, concepts, and techniques, with comfort soliciting gifts from a diverse donor community.
• Enthusiasm for data-driven decision-making and goal achievement.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, strong attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint); ability to learn organization-specific systems.
• Willingness to travel as needed for donor and volunteer meetings.
• Potential to work nights and/or weekends occasionally.

Benefits

• Health and Wellness:
  • Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
  • Long-term care insurance for faculty, staff, and eligible family members (no underwriting if applied for at hire).
  • Wellness and work-life resources, including health programs and recreational activities.
• Financial and Retirement:
  • Generous retirement plans (Basic, Matching, Supplemental) with pre-tax or Roth options and diverse investment choices (TIAA, Vanguard).
  • Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children at Penn and other institutions.
• Time Off and Flexibility:
  • Substantial paid time off for vacations, personal affairs, and illness/injury.
  • Flexible work hours and options for non-traditional work arrangements.
• Professional and Personal Development:
  • Access to University resources (libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, cultural events).
  • Discounts on arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, and services (e.g., Ford/GM cars, cell phone plans, theme parks).
  • Penn Home Ownership Services: forgivable loans for home purchases or improvements in West Philadelphia.
  • Adoption assistance reimbursement for eligible employees.

Pay

$50,366.00 – $65,000.00 annual salary, based on qualifications, experience, skills, and education.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania