Associate Director of Foundation Relations

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking an Associate Director in the Office of Foundation Relations to advance fundraising and alumni relations. This role engages with colleges across campus to identify, cultivate, and solicit major and principal gifts while coordinating with university colleagues for strategic initiatives.

The successful candidate will foster relationships with foundation officers, prepare briefing materials, and lead efforts to meet ambitious annual goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.
• None

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary liaison to the colleges of Earth and Mineral Sciences, Engineering, and Information Sciences & Technology.
• Engage in strategic planning discussions with university leaders to identify and develop major gift plans.
• Assist faculty and staff in securing $1,000,000+ in annual commitments.
• Cultivate and solicit new and existing funders and maintain a strong prospect pool.
• Interface with foundation officers and Penn State representatives to build relationships.
• Prepare briefing materials and coordinate meetings for ongoing cultivation and stewardship.
• Set annual foundation goals with college/campus partners.
• Develop strategies for interdisciplinary project collaboration and proposals.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Relationship building

Self-motivation

Team collaboration

Professional development

Education

Bachelor's degree

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.

POSITION SPECIFICS

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 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.

• Serve as primary liaison to the colleges of Earth and Mineral Sciences, Engineering, and Information Sciences & Technology;
• Engage in annual and periodic strategic planning discussions with University representatives including deans, chancellors, department/institute heads, faculty, and development colleagues to identify and develop plans to identify, cultivate, and solicit major and principal gift foundation prospects;
• Assist faculty and staff in preparing and submitting, ensuring alignment with foundation priorities and in collaboration with the Office of Sponsored Programs, 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 (virtual or in-person) between foundation program staff and deans, chancellors, department heads, faculty, and/or 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.

The successful candidate will have:

• A track record of success in securing foundation support and meeting annual fundraising goals;
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills;
• The 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.

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

• Bachelor's Degree
• 6+ 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. 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 .

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