Associate Director of Foundation Relations

The Pennsylvania State University; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 68,200 - 102,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount for employees, spouses, and children

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for the Associate Director position in the Office of Foundation Relations. This strategic role involves coordinating fundraising efforts for the College of Medicine and Penn State Health.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in securing foundation support and possess exemplary communication skills. The position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical coverage and tuition discounts for employees and their families.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in medicine or academic medicine is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary liaison to the College of Medicine and Penn State Health.
• Engage in strategic planning discussions with University representatives.
• Secure major and principal gift foundation commitments.

Skills

Success in securing foundation support

Interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to create inclusive environments

Relationship building

Self-motivation

Teamwork

Commitment to professional development

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

Position Overview

Penn State is currently seeking an Associate Director in the Office of Foundation Relations. As a member of the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR), you will play a strategic role in coordinating fundraising and alumni relations efforts for the College of Medicine and Penn State Health.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary liaison to the College of Medicine and Penn State Health.
• Engage in annual and periodic strategic planning discussions with University representatives to identify and develop plans to identify, cultivate, and solicit major and principal gift foundation prospects.
• Assist faculty and staff in preparing and submitting proposal submissions in collaboration with the Office of Sponsored Programs (UP) or Office of Research Affairs (CoM), with a goal of securing $1,000,000 or more in annual commitments.
• Proactively cultivate and solicit new and existing funders and maintain a strong prospect pool that aligns with University priorities.
• Interface and build fruitful relationships with foundation officers and between foundation officers and Penn State representatives.
• Prepare briefing materials and coordinate meetings between foundation program staff and development colleagues as part of ongoing cultivation and stewardship efforts.
• Determine annual foundation goal setting solicitation targets with college and/or campus partners.
• Develop and recommend strategies to guide collaborative interdisciplinary projects and proposal preparation with development and university-wide colleagues.

Qualifications

• A track record of success in securing foundation support and meeting annual fundraising goals; experience in medicine or academic medicine a plus.
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues.
• Demonstrated ability to build internal and external relationships and work collaboratively with a wide range of University and external representatives to effectively complete complex work assignments, review progress, and evaluate results.
• A passion for higher education and an understanding of complex institutions.
• 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.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.
• Required Certifications: None.

Flexible Work Arrangements

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.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $68,200.00 – $102,300.00. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, and a generous 75% tuition discount for employees, spouses, and children.

Background Checks / Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background checks in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as 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.

EEO Statement

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.