Penn State University

Gift Planning Officer

Penn State University$76K — $145K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in gift planning or fundraising
  • Strong understanding of tax law and estate management
  • Exemplary communication skills for high-net worth audiences
  • Proven ability to self-motivate and work independently or collaboratively
  • Passion for higher education and philanthropic impact

Responsibilities

  • Support and educate fundraising colleagues with technical expertise in gift planning
  • Articulate Penn State's goals through effective communication
  • Manage a portfolio of planned giving prospects for senior leadership
  • Travel extensively to develop relationships and implement strategies
  • Assist in developing prospect strategies and gift proposals
  • Enhance stewardship for donors and promote recognition initiatives
  • Collaborate with teams to foster inclusivity in all interactions

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Generous retirement plans
  • Substantial paid time off, including holidays and vacation
  • 75% tuition discount for employees and their families
  • Supportive environment for flexible work arrangements
Full Job Description
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please to complete the. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, pleaselogin to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete .

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see .


 

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State is currently seeking a talented and high-performing gift planning professional in the role of Gift Planning Officer. 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 Assistant Vice President of Gift Planning and with significant experience in gift planning and fundraising principles, this Gift Planning Officer will: 

  • Support, partner, and educate fundraising colleagues by providing technical expertise, gift planning options, proposal language, and participating in prospect meetings as appropriate;  

  • Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications; 

  • Manage a portfolio of planned giving prospects, working with senior university leadership to secure philanthropic support; 

  • Travel extensively throughout the country to pursue these strategies and build enduring relationships; 

  • Assist with strategy in areas including prospect capacity, review of assets, formulation of gift plans and proposals, providing gift planning illustrations; 

  • Maintain and enhance stewardship for gift planning donors and promote the Atherton Society and its events as recognition for these donors. 

 

The successful candidate will have:  

  • A track record of success in securing planned gifts and meeting fundraising goals; 

  • Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills, with a particular sensitivity to sophisticated, high-net worth audiences;   

  • The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues; 

  • Subject matter expertise in the planned giving field, with strong understanding and/or training in tax law and estate management practices; 

  • Impeccable writing, presentation skills, and ability to utilize various technologies; 

  • A passion for higher education and an understanding of complex institutions;  

  • 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 Gift Planning Specialist - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Gift Planning Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

 

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. Our organization includes more than 500 professionals engaging a community of more than 800,000 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 80,000+ students and 20,000+ 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 

 

 

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.

 

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $76,700.00 - $145,700.00.

 

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.

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