About Development and Alumni Relations

The Office of Development and 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 Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) work together to secure the funds needed.
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 people 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 270,000 today and form the core of the University's philanthropic and volunteer network.
Working in PENN Medicine is a special fundraising experience. Gift officers 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.

Campaign Progress