Assistant Director of Gift Acceptance, Office of Gift Acceptance

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 66,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking an Assistant Director of Gift Acceptance to support the Office of Gift Acceptance. The role drafts and revises donor agreements, ensures compliance with policies, and collaborates with university partners to document donor commitments.

The successful candidate will have a background in gift documentation or legal contracts, exemplary interpersonal and communication skills, and a commitment to professional development within a flexible university environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required with 3+ years relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven ability to draft or review gift documentation and legal contracts.

Responsibilities

• Draft and revise Guideline Agreements and Statements of Donor Intent.
• Coordinate with university units to document donor commitments and ensure compliance with policies.
• Collaborate with Director of Gift Acceptance on complex gift documentation.
• Coordinate with campus partners to ensure documentation meets university requirements.
• Serve as a resource on gift documentation, donor restrictions, and funding requirements.
• Document future pledges and planned gifts with the Gift Acceptance team.
• Oversee the execution process of final gift documentation and fund creation.
• Develop procedures, templates, and training materials for gift documentation.
• Communicate Penn State's needs and values clearly.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Deadline management

Donor relations

Professional development

Education

Bachelor's degree

3+ years relevant experience

Job description

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.

Penn State is currently seeking a Assistant Director of Gift Acceptance in supporting the Office of Gift Acceptance. As a member of 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.

Reporting to the Director of Gift Acceptance and working closely with partners throughout the university, this Assistant Director of Gift Acceptance will:

• Serve as the primary drafter of new and revised Guideline Agreements and Statements of Donor Intent, which establish the terms governing donor-restricted funds and document intentions for future gifts;
• Collaborate with DDAR staff across all Units to obtain and evaluate information necessary to accurately document donor commitments, identify and resolve issues with proposed donor terms, and ensure compliance with University policies and applicable legal requirements;
• Work closely with the Director of Gift Acceptance on complex or non-routine gift documentation, including matters involving donor intent, University policies, and applicable legal requirements;
• Coordinate and communicate with the Office of Student Aid, Endowment Accounting, Donor Relations, and other University partners to ensure that documentation is complete and meets all applicable University requirements;
• Serve as a resource to DDAR staff regarding gift documentation, donor restrictions, funding requirements, and the administration of donor-restricted funds;
• Collaborate with the Gift Acceptance team to ensure the appropriate documentation and recording of future pledges and other planned gifts;
• Coordinate the execution process of all final gift documentation to maintain accurate records and request fund creation of new endowments and non-endowed funds;
• Develop and maintain procedures, templates, training materials, and other resources to promote consistency, accuracy, and efficiency in the preparation and administration of gift documentation; and
• Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications.

The successful candidate will have:

• Paralegal, Legal Assistant or similar with experience in drafting or reviewing gift documentation or legal contracts and agreements;
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills;
• The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues;
• Familiarity with planned gifts, life income gifts, and estate/trust administration;
• Knowledge of federal and state charitable giving and estate laws;
• The ability to communicate complex gift and financial details to a variety of audiences including internal and external constituents;
• The capacity to meet tight deadlines and to handle multiple projects simultaneously;
• A demonstrated ability to interact effectively and efficiently with donors, development officers, and members of the legal & advisory communities;
• 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 - 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 If filled as Gift Planning Specialist - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 1+ 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 (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.

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 $65,508.00 - $122,016.00.

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.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information

Hotlines