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Associate Director of Stewardship Operations

University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Posted Oct 8, 2026
HybridUSD 65,628 - 72,000 / year

About this role

Associate Director of Stewardship Operations

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Associate Director of Stewardship Operations, Wharton External Affairs

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remote type

Hybrid Eligible

locations

FMC Tower

time type

Full time

posted on

Posted Today

job requisition id

JR00128805

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes 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, and much more.

Posted Job Title Associate Director of Stewardship Operations, Wharton External Affairs

Job Profile Title Associate Director B, Development, Services

Job Description Summary Wharton School Overview Founded in 1881 as the world’s first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is shaping the future of business by incubating ideas, driving insights, and creating leaders who change the world. With campuses in both Philadelphia and San Francisco, Wharton has over 850 staff, a faculty population of more than 235 renowned professors, and 5,000 undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral students. Each year 13,000 professionals from around the world advance their careers through Wharton Executive Education’s individual, company-customized, and online programs. More than 104,000 Wharton alumni form a powerful global network of leaders who transform business every day. Wharton is home to a dynamic community of staff, bringing a wide range of skills, experiences, and perspectives. To learn more, visit www.wharton.upenn.edu.

Wharton External Affairs serves as the gateway for alumni, friends, and partners to remain actively engaged with the Wharton community. The department fosters meaningful connections among alumni, faculty, and students, facilitates philanthropic partnerships, and strengthens lifelong ties to the School.

The Associate Director of Stewardship Operations is an analytical and process-driven individual, who brings knowledge and experience with fundraising to donor relations systems and operations. This role reports to the Stewardship Director and is a core member of the Donor Relations team, situated as a part of the Development and Principal Gifts function in Wharton External Affairs.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

  • Analyze current donor relations activities and processes and identify opportunities for efficiency and enhancement. This includes the processes that support a range of donor-facing content, primarily donor impact reports, acknowledgments, and other letters of gratitude.
  • Audit existing funds, maintain continuously refreshed records, accounting for newly created and amended funds, for Wharton's various endowed and term donor funds. This will support the stewardship reporting structure and enable enhanced analytics, outreach, and efficiency. This will span reports on undergraduate and graduate student aid, research programs and centers, and professorships and other faculty support, among others.
  • Work hand in hand with Principal Gift and Development colleagues and research program colleagues to gather, update, and disseminate fund information to support an optimal donor experience, while abiding by the University's privacy standards.
  • Assess donor relations activities provided at different giving levels and to varying areas across the School, identifying areas of opportunity for enhanced donor stewardship that inspires giving.
  • Write gift acknowledgments and impact reports during peak periods and to large volume areas of support, such as student aid and faculty support.
  • Keep apprised of University and industry best practices in donor relations operations and processes, liaise with University colleagues on optimal uses and opportunities with the donor database and other current and future resources and platforms to support efficient and effective donor outreach.
  • Bring your understanding of different giving types - including principal giving, major giving, corporate and foundation giving, and more - and factor this into the processes you support and advise upon.
  • Balance an approach that can go deep on one individual and vast in terms of various donor audiences, particularly as they relate to the School's fundraising priorities.
  • Engage as a member of a holistic Donor Relations team, including exchanging information and insights with colleagues to create a positive donor experience and contribute to a workplace environment of continuous learning and connection.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree and 2 to 3 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience, is required.

  • At least 2- 3 years of experience in fundraising and development processes, preferably with involvement in stewardship and donor relations.

  • Exceptional research, analytical, and execution skills along with the ability to engage with colleagues to learn about current activities and future needs to adapt systems and processes toward. Comfort analyzing data and utilizing it to inform strategy and operations.

  • Outstanding detail orientation and perseverance in managing long-term fund audits from start to finish, while planning ahead for continuous updates and tending to time-sensitive, near-term tasks.

  • An ability to build relationships with colleagues across departments and navigate a complex environment of stakeholders throughout the School and University.

  • A high level of discretion with respect for sensitive data and best practices in safeguarding donor information.

  • Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as effectively as a member of a team.

  • Excellent project management and strategic planning skills, with the ability to manage and meet multiple deadlines and track activities in a fast-paced, high volume environment.

  • Occasional evening and weekend work and travel are required to support alumni and donor events.

  • Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume.

  • Job Location - City, State

  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • Department / School

  • Wharton School

  • Pay Range

  • $65,628.00 - $72,000.00 Annual Rate

  • Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

  • Equal Opportunity Statement

  • The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

  • Special Requirements

  • Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

  • University Benefits

  • Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

  • Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

  • Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax basis.

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