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POSITION SPECIFICS
Penn State is currently seeking a strong leader and top frontline fundraiser in the role of Director of Development and Alumni Relations to engage alumni and friends as partners in supporting the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. 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.
Charged with guiding and overseeing all development and alumni relations activities for the college’s high-potential constituencies, this position reports directly to an Assistant Vice President for University Development and receives direction from college leadership on fundraising objectives and priorities. The Director of Development and Alumni Relations also works with other partners across the University and central development offices. With significant experience not only in fundraising but also in management, and with an entrepreneurial and ambitious vision for the Bellisario College of Communications fundraising operation, the Director of Development and Alumni Relations will:
- Articulate Penn State’s and the college’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications, including written proposals;
- Identify a pool and a pipeline of prospects for immediate and long-term cultivation;
- Supervise, train, and mentor a team of fundraisers, alumni relations professionals, and support staff, with a sustained focus on fostering inclusive relationships that yield meaningful results;
- Develop annual goals, plans, and budgets for a comprehensive, strategy-driven fundraising program;
- Recruit and guide a volunteer committee charged with meaningful roles and responsibilities in the fundraising process;
- Manage a portfolio of top prospects and 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;
- Serve as an ambassador for the college and its priorities and values.
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;
- Experience in managing and leading goal-oriented teams and in planning development strategies;
- Impeccable writing, presentation skills, and ability to use various technologies;
- A passion for higher education and an understanding of complex institutions;
- 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
Bachelor's Degree
8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications
Philanthropy will have a special impact in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications – the largest accredited program of its kind in the nation. Bellisario students continue to achieve awards and honors for their work in all areas of study within the college. In the past decade and a half, Penn State has the best overall finish in the Hearst combined competition (writing, TV, radio) of any school in the Big Ten Conference or the Northeast. Bellisario students have earned national competitions and honors within areas including PR Student of the Year, the American Advertising Federations Student Advertising competition, the Broadcast Education Association Festival of Media Arts, and the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. A network of more than 26,000 alumni provides a strong pool of support for everything from undergraduate programming and job searches to fundraising, in support of the mission of The Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications: preparing students to take their place in an information-rich society and in their professions as active, critical and ethical participants.
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 $109,300.00 - $164,000.00.
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.
