Associate Vice President (AVP) for Strategic Partnerships

University of Pennsylvania

11d • $167,379 - $290,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Vice President (AVP) for Strategic Partnerships provides leadership, vision, and strategic direction for the University Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) enterprise-wide strategic partnerships program. The AVP will lead the development and execution of strategies to build, manage, and scale high-value institutional relationships that generate transformational philanthropic investment, advance institutional priorities, and strengthen the University’s position as a partner of choice for complex, cross-school initiatives. Working in a fast-paced and highly collaborative environment, the AVP will serve as a senior strategist and institutional ambassador, engaging C-suite executives, foundation leaders, and major philanthropists while aligning internal stakeholders across schools, centers, and central administration. As a key member of the senior leadership team, the AVP will participate in strategic planning processes, represent Strategic Philanthropy and Partnerships in Development and Alumni Relations (DAR)-wide initiatives, and contribute to advancing the University’s most ambitious interdisciplinary priorities.

Requirements

• Master of Science, Master of Arts, and 7 to 10 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Minimum of 10–15 years of progressively responsible experience in Development, strategic partnerships, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in securing and managing complex, high-value partnerships or philanthropic investments.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in a highly matrixed, multi-stakeholder environment.
• Demonstrated experience engaging senior leaders, including executives, trustees, and major donors.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear and compelling materials.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience with the ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build collaborative relationships across a diverse organization.
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, and integrity.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends and travel as required.

Nice To Haves

• Communications experience highly desired.
• Experience in higher education advancement or a similarly complex institutional environment.
• Experience structuring enterprise-level partnerships involving multiple stakeholders or business units.
• Familiarity with interdisciplinary initiatives and cross-organizational program development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for enterprise-level strategic partnerships aligned with University priorities.
• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize high-value partnership opportunities across philanthropic, corporate, and foundation sectors.
• In close partnership with DAR and School/Center colleagues, serve as an institutional liaison for top-tier strategic philanthropic partners, helping to ensure coordinated and high-level engagement.
• Engage and cultivate relationships with senior executives and high-capacity donors to advance strategic partnerships.
• At times, serve as the lead fundraiser to advance University-wide priorities.
• Lead the structuring, negotiation, and execution of complex, multi-year, cross-school philanthropic partnership agreements.
• Coordinate across Development and Alumni Relations, schools, centers, and University leadership to align priorities, governance, and execution of partnership opportunities.
• Translate complex, cross-disciplinary initiatives into cohesive and compelling philanthropic opportunities and proposals.
• Oversee the development of high-quality proposals, presentations, and briefing materials to support partnership cultivation and solicitation.
• Partner with academic and administrative leadership to advance institution-wide initiatives requiring cross-school collaboration and to support engagement and stewardship of key partners.
• Represent the University in high-level meetings, negotiations, and external engagements.
• Ensure strong infrastructure for partnership management, including prospect tracking, reporting, and performance metrics.
• Lead the planning and execution of cross-school convenings, events, and engagement opportunities that advance partnership goals.
• Establish performance metrics, revenue targets, and long-term growth strategies for the Strategic Partnerships program.
• Serve as an active participant and leader in planning and execution of DAR-wide initiatives and strategic priorities.
• Directly supervise a Director and a Coordinator and jointly supervise a Development Assistant.
• Maintain confidentiality of highly sensitive and privileged information and demonstrate sound judgment in all aspects of the role.
• Perform effectively in a deadline-driven environment, managing multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
• Lead and direct a high-functioning team to achieve optimum results by: Establishing priorities and goals for staff, Managing staffing needs and identifying opportunities for organizational development, Guiding talent development and professional growth in alignment with University diversity and inclusion priorities, Setting clear performance expectations and holding staff accountable through ongoing feedback and coaching, Ensuring open communication, collaboration, and team engagement, Inspiring and motivating staff to achieve program goals.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits
• Flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care expenses
• Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children
• Generous retirement plans (Basic, Matching, and Supplemental)
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Wellness and Work-life Resources
• Professional and Personal Development resources
• Access to 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director