Penn State University

Gift Planning Officer

Penn State University$81K — $154K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in gift planning and fundraising principles
  • Proven track record in securing planned gifts and meeting fundraising goals
  • Exceptional communication skills for engaging high-net worth donors
  • Expertise in tax law and estate management practices
  • Ability to foster an inclusive and respectful work environment
  • Strong self-motivation and teamwork capabilities
  • Commitment to continuous professional development

Responsibilities

  • Educate and partner with fundraising colleagues on gift planning options
  • Articulate Penn State's mission through effective communication
  • Manage a portfolio of planned giving prospects to secure support
  • Travel extensively to build donor relationships and pursue fundraising strategies
  • Assist in creating gift plans and proposals based on prospect capacity
  • Enhance donor stewardship and promote recognition events for planned giving donors

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Robust retirement plans
  • Generous paid time off including holidays and vacation
  • 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible dependents
  • Flexible work arrangements based on unit needs
Full Job Description
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. 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, please login 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 the application process for external applicants.


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

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 Degree6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Gift Planning Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None

SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $81,312.00 - $154,452.00.

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.

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