Assistant Director of Engagement and Events

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

Assistant Director of Engagement and Events, Penn Libraries

Job Profile Title

Associate Director B, Development, Events

Job Description Summary

About the Penn Libraries

The Penn Libraries provides a network of information resources and knowledge services that are vital to teaching, research, and learning at the University of Pennsylvania. This network includes 19 physical libraries, recognized for their collections, and a digital library known for innovation and richness of content. Through dynamic programming and exhibitions, and through the acquisition and preservation of literary and artistic artifacts, the Penn Libraries documents a wealth of social and historical periods, bringing scholarship to life at the University and in the various communities it serves.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Development (EDoD), the Assistant Director, Engagement and Events leads the Libraries’ strategic event and engagement portfolio. This position develops, plans, and executes high-touch, mission-aligned engagement opportunities—including board meetings, regional cultivation events, on-campus programs, and development-adjacent initiatives—to strengthen donor and stakeholder relationships and advance Penn Libraries fundraising goals.

The Assistant Director serves as the primary project manager for the Libraries’ donor-facing engagement calendar; coordinates across internal and external partners; and ensures events are executed with sophistication, consistency, and strategic alignment. The role also supports stewardship by planning campus visits and ensuring meaningful, personalized experiences.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

Manage Board Meeting Logistics

• Plan, organize, and execute two annual on-campus Board of Advisors meetings.
• Provide end-to-end logistical, technical, and catering support.
• Build infrastructure enabling senior leadership and volunteers to participate meaningfully.
• Ensure gatherings align with institutional priorities and development goals.

Plan and Execute Regional Engagement Events

• Partner with the EDoD and Senior Major Gift Officers to plan cultivation events in New York and other major cities inhabited by Libraries donors.

• Manage logistics including registration, venues, vendors, timelines, briefings, and follow-up.

• Design experiences that advance donor cultivation pipelines.

Coordinate On-Campus Donor Programs

• Collaborate with Penn Alumni Relations, the Kislak Center, and Libraries Development colleagues for Homecoming, Reunion Weekend, and similar programs.

• Ensure events align with Penn Libraries’ mission and donor engagement strategies.

Manage Development-Adjacent Initiatives

• Support programs aligned with development goals but outside standard cultivation categories, like the Penn Libraries Book Prize in Sustainability and the Building Bridges Program.

• Partner with internal stakeholders to enhance impact and visibility.

Support Campus Visits

• Partner with gift officers to provide logistics for campus visits by board members, donors, prospects, and their families.

• Prepare materials, coordinate schedules, and ensure follow-through after visits.

Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and 2 to 3 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• • 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in event planning, development, donor relations, or related fields preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, and execute high-level events.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to collaborate with senior leaders, volunteers, donors, and partners.
  • Adaptability and comfort in a fast-paced, goal-driven environment.
  • Ability to work evenings and travel regionally as needed.

Application Requirement

• A Cover Letter and Resume/CV are required to be considered for this position. Please upload your Cover Letter where it asks you to upload your Resume/CV; multiple documents are allowed. 

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

University Library

Pay Range

$65,628.00 - $70,000.00 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 protectedunder 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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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay