Assistant Director, Engagement and Events

University of Pennsylvania

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Executive Director of Development (EDoD), the Assistant Director, Engagement and Events leads the Libraries’ strategic event and engagement portfolio. This position develops, plans, and executes high-touch, mission-aligned engagement opportunities—including board meetings, regional cultivation events, on-campus programs, and development-adjacent initiatives—to strengthen donor and stakeholder relationships and advance Penn Libraries fundraising goals. The Assistant Director serves as the primary project manager for the Libraries’ donor-facing engagement calendar; coordinates across internal and external partners; and ensures events are executed with sophistication, consistency, and strategic alignment. The role also supports stewardship by planning campus visits and ensuring meaningful, personalized experiences.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree, and 2 to 3 years of relevant experience in event planning, development, donor relations, or related fields or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, and execute high-level events.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to collaborate with senior leaders, volunteers, donors, and partners.
Adaptability and comfort in a fast-paced, goal-driven environment.
Ability to work evenings and travel regionally as needed.

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. Build infrastructure enabling senior leadership and volunteers to participate meaningfully. Ensure gatherings align with institutional priorities and development goals.
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. Design experiences that advance donor cultivation pipelines.
Coordinate On-Campus Donor Programs: Collaborate with Penn Alumni Relations, the Kislak Center, and Libraries Development colleagues for Homecoming, Reunion Weekend, and similar programs. Ensure events align with Penn Libraries’ mission and donor engagement strategies.
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. Partner with internal stakeholders to enhance impact and visibility.
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.

Benefits

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
Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits
Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
Tuition assistance for employee, spouse, and dependent children
Retirement plans (Basic, Matching, Supplemental) with pre-tax or Roth options
Substantial amount of time away from work (vacations, personal affairs, illness, family time)
Long-Term Care Insurance
Wellness and Work-life Resources
Professional and Personal Development resources
Access to a wide range of University resources, cultural and recreational activities
Discounts on arts and entertainment, transportation, mortgages, goods, and services
Flexible Work Hours
Penn Home Ownership Services (forgivable loan for eligible employees)
Adoption Assistance (reimbursement for qualified expenses)