Program Coordinator, Strategic Philanthropy and Partnerships
About The Position
The Program Coordinator supports the Strategic Partnerships and Parent and Family Giving units within Development and Alumni Relations (DAR), providing critical operational, administrative, and project management support to advance enterprise-level partnership initiatives and parent engagement and philanthropy efforts. Working closely with the Senior Associate Vice President (SAVP) and unit Directors, the Coordinator plays a key role in managing the day-to-day activities that enable the identification, cultivation, and stewardship of high-value, cross-school partnerships and meaningful engagement with parent and family donors. This position requires a highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive individual who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The Coordinator will manage complex scheduling, help prepare briefing and proposal materials, track partnership and parent giving activity, coordinate communications and events, and ensure seamless coordination across multiple internal stakeholders and external partners. The role requires sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to manage sensitive and confidential information.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Arts and 2 to 3 years of experience preferably in institutional development, alumni relations, or a marketing-focused environment or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
- Highly motivated with excellent project management skills, high comfort with technology, and thrives in a fast-paced environment.
- Superior attention to detail in an environment where accuracy and timely completion of tasks is critical to maintaining donor and family satisfaction.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with CRM or database systems; experience with email marketing platforms such as Marketing Cloud preferred.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work both independently and collaboratively.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively with a wide range of constituents, including senior administrators, faculty, donors, parents, and external partners.
- Experience handling confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in higher education, development, marketing, communications, or nonprofit environments.
- Familiarity with project management tools and data tracking systems.
- Experience supporting complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.
- Experience with parent or family engagement programs or volunteer management.
Responsibilities
- Provide operational and administrative support to the Strategic Partnerships unit.
- Coordinate internal and external meetings related to strategic partnerships, including preparing agendas, assembling briefing materials, and tracking follow-up actions.
- Support the development of partnership materials, including proposals, presentations, briefing documents, and reports.
- Draft and proofread correspondence and other written materials on behalf of the SAVP and Strategic Partnerships team.
- Maintain and track partnership activity, prepare reports, and assist in maintaining dashboards and performance metrics.
- Provide general administrative support including file management, database maintenance, and document organization.
- Ensure accuracy, consistency, and timely updates.
- Support planning and execution of events, donor meetings, and engagement activities related to strategic partnerships.
- Conduct basic research and compile background information on prospective partners, donors, and organizations.
- Serve as a liaison with internal stakeholders across DAR, schools, and centers to facilitate communication and coordination.
- Assist in monitoring timelines and ensuring deliverables are completed on schedule.
- Handle confidential materials with discretion and maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Assist with drafting gift agreements, and preparing necessary reports, in support of the Parent and Family Giving program.
- Prepare briefing documents for Parents Council meeting speakers and Parent Salons.
- Coordinate and send communications via Marketing Cloud, including Incoming Families Welcome Reception invitations, Incoming Families Welcome Packet, Family Weekend Event Invitations, and Parents Council communications and meeting invitations.
- Assist with logistics for two Parents Council meetings per year and support planning for related committee meetings and events.
- Facilitate the editing process for the New Families Guide in collaboration with campus partners.
- Assist with stewardship mailings to all parent donors.
Benefits
- excellent healthcare
- 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
- Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts
- comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits
- flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars
- exceptional tuition benefits
- generous retirement plans
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Wellness and Work-life Resources
- Professional and Personal Development
- access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities
- Discounts and Special Services
- Flexible Work Hours
- Penn Home Ownership Services
- Adoption Assistance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
