Job Description Summary

The Associate Director is responsible for the fundraising and engagement of Wharton School graduate alumni in assigned alumni and reunion classes. The emphasis of this position is on alumni five years out from graduation and the class gift program. Frequent travel is expected to visit assigned alumni since the position is one of the key fundraisers for that alumni population. The position will contribute to achieving annual Wharton Fund cash and participation goals annually. They will have their own portfolio of Young Franklin Society members. The successful candidate will be responsible for the management of reunion volunteers who conduct peer to peer solicitation among their classmates. The position will manage these volunteers through every step of their fundraising tasks.

Job Description

Reporting to the Senior Associate Director, Classes and Reunions for The Wharton Fund, the position of Associate Director is responsible for the fundraising and engagement of Wharton School’s graduate program alumni. This position has a focus on most recent graduates through nine years post-graduation, with emphasis on the First and Fifth Reunion milestone years and the Alumni Fellows program. This program oversees the current second year MBA students in their class gift campaign efforts through teaching a subset of students about the importance of philanthropy, managing expectations, and ensuring their class gift campaign is a success. The Associate Director is a key member of the team raising unrestricted dollars for the Wharton Fund and will contribute to achieving Wharton Fund cash and participation goals annually.

Qualified candidates must possess a solid understanding of the importance of philanthropy and engagement to the achievement of institutional goals as well as believe in the mission of The Wharton School and business education. The successful candidate must be a self-starter, data-oriented, and have the ability to infuse high energy, enthusiasm, and motivation in volunteer fundraisers. Frequent travel is expected to visit prospects, donors, and volunteers in assigned alumni and reunion classes.

• Responsible for having 100-125 face-to-face visits and 250 total solicitations. Goals will be mutually agreed upon with supervisor.
• Identify and quality prospects for major gifts team.
• Responsibility for recruiting, training, soliciting, engaging and managing volunteers with specific emphasis on alumni in assigned reunion years.
• Update volunteers on a regular basis regarding class progress towards goal and on their solicitations.
• Participation in events, as deemed appropriate by supervisor.
• Coordinate management of reunion volunteers with Alumni Relations counterparts.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Associate Director of the Wharton Fund.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree is required and 3-5 years of experience in fundraising/gift solicitation, preferably in higher education, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment; a self-starter
• Results driven with high motivation to meet dollar and participation targets which are set for each individual Associate Director.
• Demonstrated project management skills.
• Experience in serving volunteer organizations with a professional, customer service oriented attitude and heightened diplomacy skills.
• Experience managing high-level volunteers, working with organizational stakeholders.
• Experience collaborating with various departments to support achieving common goals.
• Confidence and maturity to work with senior business alumni, including an understanding of international cultures.
• Must be detail oriented, able to handle multiple projects simultaneously and have exceptional writing, administrative and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to make 100 – 125 alumni visits per year.
• Must be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Mastery of Microsoft Office Suite and electronic communications.