Careers in Development & Alumni Relations

A Message from the Vice President

Penn has an unwavering commitment to academic excellence, an enterprising spirit, and an ability to work across wide-ranging fields of knowledge. In the Office of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR), we advance the University’s educational mission through high-performing philanthropy and global engagement activities. Our team works to increase educational access, drive groundbreaking research, enhance academic life on campus, and so much more. Philanthropy has ensured that Penn can harness knowledge and discovery to make a better future.

Within DAR, we seek out talented people from diverse backgrounds. Our colleagues possess unique perspectives and varied professional experience, and we share the desire to collaborate and learn from each other. Together, we pursue Penn’s mission to take on today’s toughest challenges and create a more equal society.

I encourage you to explore our current openings and consider how your skills can help Penn educate the next generation of leaders and fuel advancements that will move our world forward. We look forward to welcoming you to our team!

—Kate Griffo, Vice President of Development & Alumni Relations

About the Office of Development & Alumni Relations (DAR)

The Office of Development & Alumni Relations at the University of Pennsylvania plays a critical role in providing the resources that maintain the University’s current strength and support its vision for the future. Excellence in education, research, and service to the community requires continued investment, and Penn’s Development and Alumni Relations teams work together to secure the funds needed to advance the University’s mission.

Fundraising responsibilities at Penn are shared among schools, centers, and centrally-based staff in an overall department structure that emphasizes cooperation, coordination, and collaboration.

We look for applicants who can demonstrate imagination, compassion, and persistence while keeping a clear eye fixed on our fundraising goals.

DAR fosters lifelong connections with alumni and their families. With a message that a Penn education lasts a lifetime, DAR encourages alumni to participate in University activities, both on and off campus.

Our integrated approach to institutional advancement recognizes that a large part of success in fundraising is due to the strength and commitment of alumni, who number more than 300,000 and form the core of the University’s philanthropic and volunteer network.

Though each school and center has unique characteristics, gift officers at Penn Medicine must be adept at moving from very technical conversations about clinical and research priorities with medical faculty to often very emotional conversations about serious illness and medical care with prospective donors.

Working at Penn

University of Pennsylvania employees enjoy competitive compensation and benefit packages, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and wellness incentives, alongside a collaborative work environment that values creativity, innovation, and continuous learning. Many development positions are also eligible for workplace flexibility, including hybrid arrangements. Learn more about life at Penn.

Explore Penn’s compensation and benefits.

Philadelphia is not just a great place to work; it’s a great place to live. Discover more about living in Philadelphia as a Penn employee.

FAQs about Applying

If you’re talented, innovative, and have the drive to make a difference, then consider a career at the University of Pennsylvania. Penn offers you the chance to be part of an exceptionally vibrant and exciting environment at the nation’s first university. Philadelphia’s largest private employer, Penn has a tremendous breadth of job opportunities available and offers great potential for career growth and mobility. Begin your search for a rewarding career here!