Annual Giving Strategy Lead

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 54,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount for employees and

eligible dependents

Job summary

Penn State seeks an Assistant Director of Annual Giving to partner with colleges, campuses, and programs. You will develop data-driven strategies, manage multichannel campaigns, and collaborate with communications teams to advance philanthropic goals.

Based in State College, this role emphasizes donor engagement, reporting, and building relationships with alumni and friends while supporting a respectful, inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher plus one or more years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience developing or implementing annual giving, fundraising or marketing campaigns across multiple channels, including direct mail, email, telephone, text, digital fundraising, and/or social media.
• Demonstrated ability to use data and campaign results to inform fundraising strategies and decision-making.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders across an organization.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and contribute effectively as part of a team.
• Commitment to creating and maintaining an inclusive and respectful environment for all students, colleagues, alumni, and friends of the University.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement data-informed annual giving strategies that engage, acquire, retain, and increase donor support for assigned colleges, campuses, units, and University programs. Use donor and campaign data to identify opportunities, evaluate results, and inform future strategies.
• Develop and manage multichannel fundraising campaigns and initiatives, including direct mail, email, telephone, text, digital fundraising, social media, personal solicitations, and events. Ensure campaigns align with central and unit priorities and budgets.
• Serve as a strategic partner to assigned unit colleagues, helping identify fundraising opportunities, establish priorities, develop campaign strategies, and translate unit needs into effective annual giving initiatives.
• Collaborate with development communications and creative teams to develop compelling concepts, messaging, copy, and creative assets that support annual giving goals and effectively communicate Penn State's needs, ambitions, and values.
• Identify, solicit, cultivate, and steward prospects and donors, with an emphasis on strengthening donor relationships and encouraging continued philanthropic engagement.
• Monitor and evaluate campaign performance, prepare reports and recommendations, and use results to optimize fundraising strategies and improve future initiatives.
• Articulate Penn State's needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications.
• Work with and manage vendors, staff, volunteers, donors, committees, and boards.
• Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and respectful team environment.
• Develop and produce internal and external materials, proposals, solicitations, and reports.
• Interact with University staff and administration.
• Coordinate and participate in various meetings and professional activities that advance the goals of the Office of Primary Giving.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with alumni and friends of the University.
• May assume responsibility for office operations, as necessary.

Skills

Campaign management

Data-informed fundraising

Multichannel fundraising

Project management

Communication

Collaboration

Independent work

Inclusive environment

Professional development

Mentoring

Donor relations

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

Salesforce

Workfront

GiveCampus

Job description

Penn State seeks an Assistant Director of Annual Giving to partner with colleges, campuses, and programs. You will develop data-driven strategies, manage multichannel campaigns, and collaborate with communications teams to advance philanthropic goals.

Based in State College, this role emphasizes donor engagement, reporting, and building relationships with alumni and friends while supporting a respectful, inclusive work environment.