Associate Director of Foundation Relations

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

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.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Foundation Relations and working closely with other development and alumni relations colleagues, academic partners, and research administration staff, this Associate Director will:

• 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 Degree6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired 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.

Building a Career and a Life at Penn State

Across all campuses and an online World Campus, our 80,000+ students and 20,000+ 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. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a 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.

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 $72,300.00 - $108,444.00.

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.

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