Assistant/Associate Director of Development, College of the Liberal Arts

The Pennsylvania State University; University Park (PA, TX); On-site; USD 56,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated frontline fundraiser for the role of Assistant/Associate Director of Development. This pivotal position involves engaging alumni and friends to support a leading public liberal arts college. The ideal candidate will possess a strong track record in securing major gifts, excellent relationship-building skills, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Join a dynamic team dedicated to fostering equity and belonging while contributing to impactful fundraising efforts. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of students and the community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least one year of related experience required.
• Proven track record of securing major gifts and achieving fundraising goals.

Responsibilities

• Identify and cultivate a prospect pool of graduates and key constituencies.
• Plan and execute solicitation strategies leading to major gifts.
• Travel extensively to build lasting relationships.

Skills

Fundraising

Relationship Building

Interpersonal Communication

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Knowledge

Self-motivation

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Do not apply here; apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not previously employed at the university) seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. 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.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Penn State is seeking a frontline fundraiser for the role of Assistant/Associate Director of Development to engage alumni and friends in supporting the College of the Liberal Arts, one of the leading public liberal arts colleges in the U.S. As part of the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR), you will play an integral role in Penn State's future and contribute to a highly successful fundraising and alumni relations operation.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations and collaborating with college leadership and other partners, the Assistant/Associate Director of Development will:

• Identify and cultivate a prospect pool of graduates and key constituencies;
• Communicate Penn State's needs, ambitions, and values, including diversity, equity, and inclusion, through various communication channels, including written proposals;
• Plan and execute solicitation strategies leading to major gifts;
• Travel extensively within the region and nationally to pursue these strategies and build lasting relationships, tracked against specific fundraising metrics.

This position will be classified as Professional or Intermediate Professional based on the candidate's skills, education, and experience. Typically, a bachelor's degree and at least one year of related experience are required for the Professional level, with additional qualifications for higher levels. The successful candidate will also possess:

• A proven track record of securing major gifts and achieving fundraising goals;
• Strong relationship-building skills with diverse communities;
• Knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• Self-motivation and ability to work independently and in teams;
• Commitment to professional development and mentorship.

Operation of a motor vehicle and a valid driver's license are required, along with successful background and motor vehicle record checks.

DDAR supports flexible work arrangements aligned with operational needs. Questions about flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview.

The College of the Liberal Arts

The College of the Liberal Arts has achieved national leadership in education and research, emphasizing communication, analytical thinking, ethics, civic engagement, cultural appreciation, digital fluency, and global preparation. Our faculty are distinguished teachers and researchers, enhancing our departments' national standing and enriching undergraduate and graduate education. More info at la.psu.edu.

Penn State's Division of Development and Alumni Relations

Our division comprises over 500 professionals engaging more than 700,000 alumni committed to giving back. We include fundraisers, alumni relations staff, communicators, event planners, and financial experts. Learn more at raise.psu.edu and see our recent campaign at greaterpennstate.psu.edu.

Building a Career and Life at Penn State

We are dedicated to fostering equity, respect, and belonging across all university activities. Our community of over 100,000 students and 17,000 staff and faculty spans 24 campuses and online platforms, making a global impact. Penn State ranks among the top academic and research institutions worldwide. More at psu.edu/this-is-penn-state/facts-and-rankings.

This role is based at the University Park campus in State College, PA, a city known for safety, quality of life, and cultural amenities. More info at statecollegepa.us and statecollege.com.

The salary range is $56,200 - $102,300, inclusive of all grades. Additional details about Penn State's salary structure are available.

Campus Security and Equal Opportunity

Penn State complies with the Jeanne Clery Act and publishes annual security and fire safety reports, available online. Employment requires background checks. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. For accommodations due to disability, contact 814-865-1473.