Senior Associate Director of Principal Giving Strategy + Experience, Wharton External Affairs

About the position

The Senior Associate Director of Principal Giving Strategy & Experience (the Director) will help provide strategic oversight of the Principal Giving Program (PGP). This position involves a collaborative partnership with the Senior Managing Director of Principal Giving (SMD) and the School's philanthropic leadership to foster and enhance relationships with our most significant Ultra High Net Worth (UHNW) individuals and esteemed volunteers. By serving as the internal lead for the Principal Giving Strategy & Experience at the Wharton School, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to manage a staff member and make a profound impact on the School's philanthropic landscape and join a team dedicated to excellence and innovation in advancing philanthropic initiatives. Your leadership will be instrumental in preparing for future School and University fundraising initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Support the Principal Giving Program's initiatives, in partnership with the SMD and WHEA philanthropic leadership, by supporting the lifecycle of an extensive portfolio of principal giving level prospects.
• Implement proactive strategies tailored to our highest-priority philanthropic partners, creating and supporting customized engagement opportunities that inspire transformational contributions.
• Directly supervise and manage the Associate Director.
• Serve as the liaison among various stakeholders, including Wharton and University development staff, faculty directors, and program administrators.
• Assist in devising short and long-term frameworks to cultivate and nurture impactful relationships, ensuring that our donors and supporters feel valued and recognized throughout their philanthropic engagement.
• Oversee the newly established Assistant Director of Principal Giving Donor Relations and Stewardship, guiding the development of roles and responsibilities for this position.
• Join critical discussions with the SMD and Wharton leadership to learn about ambitious goals and priorities for philanthropic efforts.
• Manage special projects and collaborate with senior staff and faculty to advance the objectives of the Principal Giving Program.
• Ensure meticulous information-sharing mechanisms to facilitate robust stewardship initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with the Administrative Coordinator to prioritize key activities, streamline workflows, and enhance communication processes within the Principal Giving Program.
• Help build a process to track and report on the top 50 Wharton prospects in partnership with the Director of Data Management and the Development Leadership team.
• Focus on appropriate and consistent engagement with and recognition of donors and school leaders at the highest levels.

Requirements

• Outstanding problem-solving and prioritization skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a rigorous attention to detail.
• High degree of discretion and poise when interacting with stakeholders across varying levels.
• Exceptional writing, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Bachelor's degree and 5-7 years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• Experience managing complex issues and problem-solving.
• Supervisory experience and/or experience in managing department budgets preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to set priorities and work efficiently in a highly pressured environment.
• Keen interpersonal and organizational skills and excellent judgment.
• Ability to react to time-sensitive matters as well as manage complex, longer-term initiatives.
• Willingness to be available for remote access as needed after normal work hours.
• Experience in both nonprofit/higher education and corporate contexts strongly preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience managing department budgets.
• Experience in both nonprofit/higher education and corporate contexts.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
• Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children.
• Generous retirement plans including Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans.
• Substantial amount of time away from work during the year.
• Long-term care insurance for faculty and staff.
• Wellness and work-life resources.
• Professional and personal development resources.
• Access to University resources and cultural activities.
• Discounts and special services for faculty and staff.
• Flexible work options.