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POSITION SPECIFICS
Penn State is currently seeking an exceptional leader and top frontline fundraiser in the role of Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations to engage alumni and friends as partners in supporting the College of Agricultural Sciences, one of the world’s foremost contributors to research and education in agriculturally-related sustainability, health, social sciences and environmental protection. As a member of the College of Agricultural Sciences and the Division of Development and Alumni Relations, 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 some of Penn State’s largest and highest-potential constituencies, this position reports directly to an Assistant Vice President, Colleges, Campuses, and Units and receives direction from the college’s leadership on fundraising objectives and priorities. With significant experience not only in fundraising but also in management, and with an entrepreneurial and ambitious vision for the College of Agricultural Sciences fundraising operation, the Senior 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 and cultivate a pipeline of prospects for immediate and long-term cultivation;
- Supervise, train, and mentor a team of fundraising, alumni relations, stewardship, and administrative professionals, with a sustained focus on fostering inclusive relationships that yield meaningful results;
- Develop annual goals, plans, and budgets for a comprehensive, strategy-driven fundraising and engagement program;
- Recruit and guide volunteers 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 utilize 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
10+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
The College of Agricultural Sciences
Philanthropy will have a significant impact on the College of Agricultural Sciences during the Penn State Forever campaign. The college has 37,513 alumni and approximately 3,000 undergraduates and 550 graduate students that include future leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs in fields ranging from food science and forestry to energy production and environmental policy. Penn State’s oldest college was created under the Morrill Land Grant Act, and nearly 30 percent of the college’s students are still among the first in their family to attend college and 80 percent come from non-agricultural backgrounds. The College of Agricultural Sciences raised $114 million in the Greater Penn State campaign. Beyond its commitment to excellence in education, the college is also home to approximately $100 million in research annually, led by faculty who are international leaders in their fields. Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences remains true to its land-grant mission with an Extension presence in all 67 counties in Pennsylvania that includes all the Commonwealth’s 4-H and Master Gardener programs. agsci.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 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 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
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 $130,596.00 - $202,464.00.
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.
