Development Assistant, Bellisario College of Communications

The Pennsylvania State University

University Park (TX)

On-site

USD 41,000 - 59,000

Full time

4 days ago

Be an early applicant

Get a reply from this employer

Your resume and cover letter, tailored to exactly what they’re hiring for.

Get past ATS filters

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Penn State’s Development and Alumni Relations is seeking a Development Assistant to support the Bellisario College of Communications’ fundraising operations. You will assist with administrative tasks, donor outreach, proposal tracking, and reporting, ensuring accurate donor records and coordinated communications.

The role emphasizes collaboration with development officers and stakeholders, handling confidential information, and supporting events and travel logistics across campus.

Qualifications

2+ years of relevant administrative, teaching, fundraising, nonprofit or related experience.
Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues.
Experience supporting director-level staff in a complex, deadline-driven environment is preferred.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office365 applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, Salesforce).

Responsibilities

Provide administrative and project support to the development team and frontline fundraiser.
Articulate Penn State’s needs and values through effective communications.
Manage proposal submissions, ensure gifts are recorded, and coordinate stakeholder communications.
Schedule meetings and arrange travel for development officers.
Assist in producing development materials and briefing documents.
Conduct donor research and maintain donor/prospect records in fundraising databases.
Prepare and distribute reports on donor engagement and fundraising progress.
Support prospect management and portfolio monitoring.
Coordinate events, vendor contracts, and travel logistics.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office365

Donor relations

Project coordination

Education

GED or HS

2+ years relevant experience

Tools

Outlook

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Teams

SharePoint

Salesforce

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State is currently seeking a Development Assistant for The Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications to support fundraising operations within the Office of Development and Alumni 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 Director of Development and Alumni Relations in the Bellisario College, and working closely with development officers, alumni relations and stewardship colleagues, and central DDAR partners, the Development Assistant will:

Provide comprehensive administrative and project support to the development team, including the Director of Development and Alumni Relations as well as a frontline fundraiser, in the cultivation, solicitation, and closure of philanthropic gifts;
Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications;
Manage and track proposal submissions, ensure gifts are recorded properly, and coordinate communications with internal and external stakeholders;
Be responsible for conducting outreach to donors and prospects, scheduling internal and external meetings for development officers, and facilitating travel arrangements as needed;
Assist in producing development materials such as meeting agendas, solicitation proposals, annual giving appeals, briefing documents, presentations, and stewardship communications;
Conduct prospect and donor research; collect, compile, and maintain data related to fundraising initiatives;
Enter, update, and maintain accurate donor and prospect records and coding in fundraising databases; input goals and solicitations while ensuring adherence to applicable guidelines;
Prepare, review, and distribute reports related to donor engagement, giving activity, participation, and fundraising progress;
Support prospect management by assisting with strategy development, tracking moves, and monitoring portfolios;
Serve as a liaison between the Bellisario College of Communications and other DDAR units in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship processes; supports personalized donor appreciation;
Assist as needed with planning, coordination, execution, and follow-up for events, volunteer activities, and special initiatives;
Negotiate and process contracts for necessary development and alumni events venues, caterers, hotels, etc.;
Monitor and reconcile expenses; manage budget tracking and reporting;
Provide logistical support for development staff travel, including pre-travel preparation and post-travel follow-up;
Support annual fundraising goals and planning efforts;
Perform other administrative and development-related duties as assigned;

The successful candidate will have:

2 or more years of relevant administrative, teaching, tech, fundraising, sales, nonprofit or related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills;
The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues;
Experience supporting director-level staff and/or working in a complex, deadline-driven environment is preferred;
Ability to represent Penn State professionally to internal and external stakeholders, including high net-worth individuals;
Exceptional attention to detail, follow-through, and organizational consistency;
Ability to handle highly confidential information with discretion and sound judgment;
Proven ability to self-motivate, manage multiple priorities, and work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment;
Proficiency in Microsoft Office365 applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, salesforce, and related tools;
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 supports flexible work arrangements when aligned with the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions regarding flexible work options may be discussed during the interview process.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS)

2+ years of relevant experience; Relevant education accepted in lieu of experience

Required Certifications: None

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 $40,608.00 - $58,836.00.

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.

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.