Penn State University

Assistant/Associate Director of Development, University Programs

Penn State University$59K — $108K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree required; relevant experience may substitute for education in some cases.
  • 1+ years of experience in fundraising for Major Gift Officer - Intermediate Professional; no prior experience required for Professional level.
  • Demonstrated success in securing major gifts and meeting fundraising goals.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships with high-net-worth individuals.
  • Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

  • Identify and cultivate a pool of potential donors including alumni and key supporters.
  • Articulate the university's mission, needs, and values through effective communication.
  • Plan and implement major gift solicitation strategies.
  • Travel extensively for donor engagement and relationship building.
  • Meet fixed fundraising metrics effectively.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off including holidays and vacation.
  • Generous 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.
Full Job Description
POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State is currently seeking a frontline fundraiser in the role of Assistant/Associate Director of Development to engage alumni and friends as partners in supporting University Programs. As a member of the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR), you can play an integral role in Penn State's future and contribute to one of the most successful fundraising and alumni relations operations in the country.

Reporting to the Director of Development and Alumni Relations and working closely with the unit's" leadership, as well as other partners and central development offices, this Assistant/Associate Director of Development will:
  • Identify and cultivate a prospect pool of graduates and other key constituencies;
  • Articulate Penn State's needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications, including written proposals;
  • Plan and execute solicitation strategies leading to major gifts;
  • Travel extensively throughout the region and across the country to pursue these strategies and build enduring relationships, tracked to a fixed and appropriately aggressive set of fundraising metrics.


The successful candidate will have:
  • A track record of success in securing major gifts and meeting fundraising goals;
  • Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills required to build relationships with sophisticated and high-net worth audiences;
  • The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues;
  • A proven ability to self-motivate and work both independently and as part of a team;
  • A commitment to professional development, learning, and being mentored.


DDAR is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Major Gift Officer - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Major Gift Officer - Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's DegreeNo prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education.Required Certifications:None

Division of Student Affairs

The Division of Student Affairs oversees programming, advocacy, and support for students in multiple functional areas: Health and Wellness; Involvement and Student Life; Community and Belonging; Leadership and Career Success; Support, Safety and Conduct; and Facilities and Spaces. The office supports all Penn State Students across the university's 24 campuses and delivers innovative, affirming programing and services in the areas of healthcare/medical and mental health, recreation and leisure activities, student support and success initiatives, alcohol and drug education, spiritual development, diversity programming, resident life, Greek housing and organizational support, and much more: studentaffairs.psu.edu.

The Fox Graduate School at Penn State

The Graduate School is one of the largest in the nation, offering more than 300 graduate degree programs, including both research and professional master's and doctoral degrees, and more than 200 graduate major fields of study. Additionally, the Graduate School offers a multitude of post-baccalaureate and graduate credit certificates. The Graduate School is world renowned for excellence and the Director will support the fundraising and alumni relations efforts of the school: gradschool.psu.edu.

Penn State's Division of Development and Alumni Relations

If you believe in the power of higher education-and philanthropy-to shape the public good, you'll excel right here in Penn State's Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR). Our organization includes more than 500 professionals engaging a community of more than 700,000 alumni who believe in the power of giving back. Across our interdisciplinary teams of fundraisers, alumni relations professionals, communicators, event planners, financial experts, and more, there is a place for you to make a difference in the lives of students and faculty while taking your own career to new heights. Learn more about us at raise.psu.edu and explore the success of our most recent campaign at greaterpennstate.psu.edu.

Building a Career and a Life at Penn State

Across all campuses and an online World Campus, our 100,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom-it's the positive impact made on communities across the globe. Penn State consistently ranks among the top academic and research universities in the world: psu.edu/this-is-penn-state/facts-and-rankings

This position is based at the University Park campus, located in State College, Pennsylvania. State College is ranked among the lowest-stress and safest small cities in the country, with excellent public schools, beautiful parks and other natural assets, and a broad range of cultural and athletic events and venues: statecollegepa.us and statecollege.com

SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $59,580.00 - $108,444.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

About Penn State University

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