Managing Director, Development, Lurie Autism Institute (LAI)

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

Managing Director, Development, Lurie Autism Institute (LAI)

Job Profile Title

Director C, Development, Fundraising

Job Description Summary

Position Overview
The Managing Director will serve as the dedicated fundraising leader for the Lurie Autism Institute (LAI), a major joint initiative of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the Perelman School of Medicine focused on accelerating discovery, deepening understanding of autism, and improving outcomes for individuals and families. As a key member of the Institute, this individual will design and drive a coordinated, high-impact philanthropic strategy to expand LAI’s visibility, strengthen donor engagement, and accelerate growth across both institutions. This position will help lead and execute the strategy to secure seven- and eight-figure philanthropic commitments to advance the continued evolution and strategic priorities of LAI.

Operating with a high degree of independence, the Managing Director will lead all development strategy for LAI in close partnership with Institute leadership, senior faculty, and development colleagues across CHOP Foundation and Penn Medicine Development. This individual will build and execute a comprehensive fundraising program that includes stewardship of current donors, expansion of major and principal gift pipelines, and identification, cultivation, and solicitation of new philanthropic partners across and beyond the existing CHOP and Penn prospect pools, including individuals, families, and foundations.

Job Description

A Joint Development Role of CHOP Foundation and Penn Medicine Development 

Primary Objectives

• Partner closely with LAI leadership and scientific teams to identify, shape, and advance philanthropic priorities aligned with the Institute’s strategic vision
• Lead the development and execution of a unified fundraising strategy across CHOP and Penn Medicine
• Build and expand a strategic partnerships program that engages high-value external partners in support of LAI priorities
• Drive cross-institutional coordination among development teams to ensure alignment, accountability, and momentum

Core Responsibilities

1. Strategic Fundraising Leadership

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy in support of LAI’s short- and long-term priorities
• Identify and advance transformational gift opportunities aligned with Institute priorities
• Build, manage, and grow major and principal gift pipelines
• Translate complex scientific and research priorities into compelling philanthropic opportunities for donor audiences

2. Annual, Major & Principal Gift Management and Strategy

• Partner with CHOP, Penn Medicine, and LAI leadership to develop and execute strategies for the cultivation and solicitation of top-tier prospects, including domestic and international donors and prospects beyond traditional CHOP and Penn constituencies
• Lead or support proposal development, donor strategy, and closing plans for significant gift opportunities
• Ensure coordinated stewardship through high-quality reporting, engagement opportunities, and direct connection to LAI researchers and leadership
• Manage a portfolio of high-potential major and principal gift prospects

3. Strategic Partnerships Development

• Build and manage relationships with high-impact external partners whose interests align with LAI’s mission and funding priorities.
• Develop partnership strategies that generate new philanthropic opportunities and extend LAI’s reach
• Leverage external relationships to expand domestic and international fundraising potential
• Develop and support volunteer leadership structures, such as advisory boards, to deepen engagement and broaden philanthropic support

4. Cross-Institutional Coordination

• Serve as the primary development liaison for LAI across CHOP and Penn, ensuring alignment with Institute leadership and institutional priorities
• Lead coordinated cross-institutional fundraising planning, including regular strategy meetings, shared prospect discussions, and joint engagement plans
• Develop and maintain shared processes, tracking tools, and fundraising guidelines to support coordinated execution

5. Integrated Communications, Events and Engagement

• Partner with communications and development colleagues to ensure consistent, compelling messaging across CHOP and Penn
• Lead or contribute to the creation of high-quality donor-facing materials, including proposals, presentations, and impact-driven content
• Design and execute high-value engagement opportunities and events that strengthen relationships and advance fundraising goals
• Use communications, events, and content strategically to increase visibility, deepen engagement, and inspire philanthropic investment

6. Additional Responsibilities

• Serve as a collaborative and flexible member of the LAI, CHOP Foundation, and Penn Medicine Development teams by contributing to special projects, institutional initiatives, and emerging priorities that support the overall success and growth of the Institute.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned in support of LAI’s mission, strategic objectives, and fundraising goals.

**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.**

Key Expectations/Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree and 7 to 10 years of progressively responsible development experience in academic medicine, higher education, healthcare, or a similarly complex mission-driven environment, with demonstrated understanding of research enterprises, donor strategy, volunteer engagement, and development communications; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Expertise in a field related to biomedical research and advocacy may count as directly relevant work experience.

Demonstrated success working with faculty, administrators, physicians, and other senior stakeholders, with the judgment, diplomacy, and collaboration skills required to operate effectively across institutions. Demonstrated success securing and advancing major and principal gifts, with strong strategic planning, leadership, and project management skills required to set priorities, drive execution, and achieve ambitious fundraising goals.

Ability to operate independently while building strong, collaborative relationships within a complex, matrixed environment.

Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex scientific concepts into compelling, accessible language for non-scientific audiences.

Experience planning and executing donor-facing events and engagement opportunities in partnership with internal and external stakeholders.

Experience fundraising in support of autism, neurodevelopmental disorders, biomedical research, or related scientific and clinical priorities is preferred.

Ability to travel locally, nationally and internationally.

Success Metrics

• Growth in philanthropic revenue supporting LAI priorities
• Successful closure of significant and transformative gift opportunities
• Expansion and movement of major and principal gift pipelines
• Increased coordination, alignment, and shared fundraising activity across CHOP and Penn
• Development of new funding streams, including strategic partnerships, international prospects, and emerging priority initiatives
• Strong stewardship and long-term relationship management with current donors and partners

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Development and Alumni Relations

Pay Range

$110,907.00 - $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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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay