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Posted Job TitleExecutive Director of Advancement Operations, Wharton External AffairsJob Profile TitleDirector D, Development, ServicesJob Description SummaryThe Executive Director of Advancement Operations for the Division of Development and Alumni Relations is a cornerstone role designed to shepherd Wharton External Affairs (EA) through strategic planning, oversight, and integration of development and advancement services functions such as operations, financial management, and procedural governance. Reporting directly to the Chief Advancement Officer, this individual is a senior leader and trusted advisor within the organization, playing a critical role in promoting organizational agility and optimization. This position leads teams focused on Gifts Administration, Events, Data and Analysis, and Research and Prospect Management. This role works closely with the advancement team members at Wharton and at the University of Pennsylvania to optimize fundraising and alumni engagement for the Wharton School.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 diverse population of staff, representing a rich array of backgrounds, expertise, and cultures. To learn more, visit www.wharton.upenn.edu.
Responsibilities
The Executive Director of Advancement Operations for the Division of Development and Alumni Relations is a cornerstone role designed to shepherd Wharton External Affairs (EA) through strategic planning, oversight, and integration of development and advancement services functions such as operations, financial management, and procedural governance. Reporting directly to the Chief Advancement Officer, this individual is a senior leader and trusted advisor within the organization, playing a critical role in promoting organizational agility and optimization. This position leads teams focused on Gifts Administration, Events, Data and Analysis, and Research and Prospect Management. This role works closely with the advancement team members at Wharton and at the University of Pennsylvania to optimize fundraising and alumni engagement for the Wharton School.
The Executive Director of Advancement Operations is instrumental in driving the division forward, ensuring operational excellence and alignment with the school's strategic objectives. This role also serves as the primary liaison between EA and shared administrative offices, including the Dean's Office, Wharton Human Resources, Finance & Administration, Operations (facilities), and University Development and Alumni Relations (DAR), ensuring cohesive and streamlined operations across the board. This work includes fundraising projections, contributing to campaign planning, as well as budget and staffing plans. As a key member of the EA leadership team, this role provides strategic planning, creating/optimizing department policies and practices, and conducting analysis of department operations, in addition to making recommendations for the future direction of the division.
Qualifications
A bachelor's degree and 7 to 10 years of progressively responsible fundraising and management experience is required, or equivalent combination of education and experience, preferably within the development and alumni relations field in a higher education environment. Knowledge of communications, gift recording and reporting, research methodology, computer systems, and information and records management as applied to the conduct of a non-profit institutional development program. Experience with and understanding of the fundraising process - identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Solid administrative skills and organizational ability. Strong communications skills, both oral and written. Must be team oriented and understand the need for processes. Demonstrated management and leadership experience is required. Ability to establish objectives, set performance standards, and inspire and motivate staff to achieve optimum results.
Job Location - City, StatePhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaDepartment / SchoolWharton SchoolPay Range$90,860.00 - $150,000.00 Annual RateSalary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile. Affirmative Action Statement
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