Chief of Staff, Penn Medicine Development and Alumni Relations
About The Position
The Chief of Staff serves as a senior strategic advisor and operational partner to the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) for Penn Medicine Development & Alumni Relations (PMDAR). This role is responsible for advancing the CAO’s priorities across the organization and ensuring alignment, coordination, and execution of key initiatives in support of the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS) and the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM). The Chief of Staff provides leadership and oversight for cross-functional initiatives spanning development, alumni relations, volunteer management, communications, and institutional partnerships. They work closely with the CAO and senior leadership team on strategic planning, execution of high-priority initiatives, and executive-level communications. The role is responsible for strengthening organizational effectiveness, workflow efficiency, and providing support for the CAO with an eye toward strategic imperatives. Additionally, the Chief of Staff oversees designated operational, administrative, and financial functions within PMDAR and ensures effective management of workforce and resources in alignment with institutional priorities.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and 7 to 10 years of experience in advancement, higher education, healthcare, or related field within a complex institutional environment or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
- Demonstrated ability to partner effectively with senior leadership and manage high-impact, cross-functional initiatives.
- Strong strategic, analytical, and organizational skills with proven ability to translate priorities into execution.
- Superior written and oral communication skills, including preparation of executive-level materials, and excellent attention to detail.
- Demonstrated discretion, sound judgment, and ability to manage sensitive information.
- Ability to function effectively in a complex organizational environment demanding high energy level, discretion, patience, enthusiasm, and humor.
- Four-year college degree required.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree desirable.
Responsibilities
- Partner with the CAO to advance institutional priorities, providing executive-level support and detailed project management.
- Lead and coordinate high-priority and high-visibility initiatives that support fundraising, campaign strategy, volunteer management, and organizational effectiveness.
- Provide oversight and coordination of the CAO’s executive support function, including supervision of the Executive Assistant.
- Ensure critical administrative workflows and scheduling are executed efficiently and effectively.
- Support the CAO in setting agendas and managing follow-up for meetings with the Dean & Executive Vice President, CEO, Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations, and other senior leaders across Penn and Penn Medicine.
- Responsible for the recruitment, retention, management, and professional development of PMDAR staff.
- Oversees all aspects of HR related to these activities, working with support from the CED, Operations.
- Prepare briefing materials, presentations, correspondence, and analyses for the CAO to share with institutional and volunteer leadership.
- Monitor PMDAR’S progress toward key advancement goals and identify risks, challenges, and opportunities requiring leadership’s attention.
- Partner with the CAO, DCAO, PMDAR Operations, and Human Resources to support workforce planning, organizational design, and talent development initiatives.
- Support budget planning and forecasting processes to ensure alignment with strategic priorities and University policies.
- Ensure the smooth flow of communication and information between the Office of the CAO, central DAR, and Penn Medicine leadership.
- Observe and maintain confidentiality of all privileged information.
- Maintain a comprehensive understanding of Penn Medicine’s clinical, research, and educational priorities to inform advancement strategy.
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 employees, spouses, and dependent children
- Retirement plans (Basic, Matching, and Supplemental) with pre-tax or Roth basis options
- Substantial amount of time away from work (vacations, personal affairs, illness, injury, 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, new cars, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and theme parks
- Flexible work options (non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures)
- Penn Home Ownership Services (forgivable loan for eligible employees)
- Adoption Assistance (reimbursement for qualified expenses up to two adoptions)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
