Chief of Staff, Penn Medicine Development and Alumni Relations

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

Chief of Staff, Penn Medicine Development and Alumni Relations

Job Profile Title

Director D, Development, Services

Job Description Summary

The Chief of Staff serves as senior strategic advisor and operational partner to the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) for Penn Medicine Development & Alumni Relations (PMDAR). Reporting to the CAO and working closely with the Deputy Chief Advancement Officer (DCAO), 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).

Provides leadership and oversight for cross-functional initiatives spanning development, alumni relations, volunteer management, communications, and institutional partnerships. Works closely with the CAO and senior leadership team on strategic planning, execution of high-priority initiatives, and executive-level communications. Responsible for strengthening organizational effectiveness, workflow efficiency, and providing support for the CAO with an eye toward strategic imperatives.

Oversees designated operational, administrative, and financial functions within PMDAR and ensures effective management of workforce and resources in alignment with institutional priorities.

Job Description

Job 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.

Please provide a resume and cover letter in order to be considered for this role. Please upload all documents in the “Resume/CV” section of the application prior to submitting.

Qualifications

• 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; advanced degree desirable.

• Must be willing to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Development and Alumni Relations

Pay Range

$135,327.00 - $150,000.00 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 or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources : Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

• Discounts and Special Services : From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

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The University of Pennsylvania’s special character is reflected in the wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community and help create an educational and working environment that best supports the University’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship. 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.