Associate Director, Foundation Relations & Strategy

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 72,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Penn State University seeks an Associate Director in the Office of Foundation Relations to advance major gift fundraising and foundation partnerships. The role works with DDAR and academic partners to plan, cultivate, and secure funding aligned with university priorities.

The position emphasizes collaboration across colleges, strategic planning discussions, and preparing compelling proposals to secure significant annual commitments, including multi-million goals.

Qualifications

• Proven track record securing foundation support.
• Ability to identify and cultivate major and principal gift prospects.
• Experience coordinating with colleges, deans, and faculty to align proposals with foundation priorities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary liaison to Colleges of Earth and Mineral Sciences, Engineering, and Information Sciences & Technology.
• Engage in strategic planning with university representatives to identify and cultivate foundation prospects.
• Assist in preparing and submitting proposals aligned with foundation priorities aiming for $1,000,000+ in annual commitments.
• Cultivate and solicit new and existing funders to maintain a strong prospect pool.
• Build relationships between foundation officers and Penn State representatives.
• Prepare briefing materials and coordinate meetings for ongoing cultivation and stewardship.
• Determine annual foundation goal setting solicitation targets with college/ campus partners.
• Develop strategies to guide interdisciplinary projects and proposal preparation.

Skills

Foundation fundraising

Strategic planning

Donor relations

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

Penn State University seeks an Associate Director in the Office of Foundation Relations to advance major gift fundraising and foundation partnerships. The role works with DDAR and academic partners to plan, cultivate, and secure funding aligned with university priorities.

The position emphasizes collaboration across colleges, strategic planning discussions, and preparing compelling proposals to secure significant annual commitments, including multi-million goals.