Development Assistant, Eberly College of Science

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 40,608 - 58,836; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount for employee, sp

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a Development Assistant to support the Eberly College of Science within the Division of Development and Alumni Relations. The role focuses on developing fundraising strategies, managing donor data, and preparing reports to support major gift prospects.

You will collaborate across teams, articulate the university’s needs, and help track activity and outcomes using CRM tools and enterprise systems. A strong communicator with attention to detail will thrive here.

Qualifications

• Forward-thinking mindset with ability to recommend innovative strategies for prospect identification, engagement, and pipeline growth.
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all colleagues.
• Comfortable using technology and CRM platforms, including Salesforce, to manage prospect data and support strategic decision‑making.
• Experience with LinkedIn Sales Navigator and other prospect research tools.
• Familiarity with enterprise systems such as ERS and SAP Concur.
• Ability to translate data insights into actionable recommendations that support development goals.
• Self-motivation and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to professional development and mentorship.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Senior Director to develop and implement fundraising strategies.
• Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through formal and informal communications.
• Prepare, review, and report on donor data and fundraising metrics.
• Support donor tracking and database management, including updating prospect and proposal information in Propsect Tracking Database (Advance Web or AWA).
• Create recent activity reports and follow up on pending tasks.
• Participate in managing portfolios of major gift prospects, entering updates, and maintaining donor records.
• Act as the Prospect Management and Analytics (PMA) liaison, coordinating with the assigned analyst.
• Provide administrative support for the Senior Director’s travel, including pre‑travel materials and post‑travel follow‑ups.
• Track and code Millennium Society membership and unit‑identified lead tracking.
• Prepare and distribute executive summaries and meeting materials to support senior leadership decision‑making.

Skills

Forward-thinking mindset

Enterprise systems & tech adoption

Interpersonal communication

Attention to detail

Inclusivity & respect

Salesforce CRM proficiency

LinkedIn Sales Navigator

ERP/Concur familiarity

Data insights to actions

Self-motivated & team player

Mentorship & professional development

Education

GED or High School diploma

Tools

Salesforce

LinkedIn Sales Navigator

SAP Concur

Job description

Position Overview

Development Assistant supporting the Eberly College of Science within Penn State’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations. Reports directly to the Senior Director of Development and works closely with the Eberly College of Science Development and Alumni Relations office and other partners to maximize fundraising efforts and success.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Senior Director to develop and implement fundraising strategies.
• Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through formal and informal communications.
• Prepare, review, and report on donor data and fundraising metrics.
• Support donor tracking and database management, including updating prospect and proposal information in Propsect Tracking Database (Advance Web or AWA).
• Create recent activity reports and follow up on pending tasks.
• Participate in managing portfolios of major gift prospects, entering updates, and maintaining donor records.
• Act as the Prospect Management and Analytics (PMA) liaison, coordinating with the assigned analyst.
• Provide administrative support for the Senior Director’s travel, including pre‑travel materials and post‑travel follow‑ups.
• Track and code Millennium Society membership and unit‑identified lead tracking.
• Prepare and distribute executive summaries and meeting materials to support senior leadership decision‑making.

Qualifications

• Forward‑thinking mindset with the ability to recommend innovative strategies for prospect identification, engagement, and pipeline growth.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and adapt to new enterprise systems and technologies, especially during implementations or upgrades.
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all colleagues.
• Comfortable using technology and CRM platforms, including Salesforce, to manage prospect data and support strategic decision‑making.
• Experience with LinkedIn Sales Navigator and other prospect research tools.
• Familiarity with enterprise systems such as ERS and SAP Concur.
• Ability to translate data insights into actionable recommendations that support development goals.
• Self‑motivation and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to professional development and mentorship.

Education & Experience

Minimum: General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School; 2+ years of relevant experience. No certifications required.

Salary & Benefits

Salary range: $40,608.00 – $58,836.00. Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; robust retirement plans; paid time off; and a 75% tuition discount for the employee, spouse, and eligible children.

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. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814‑865‑1473.