Strategic Annual Giving Lead

The Pennsylvania State University; United States; On-site; USD 54,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State is seeking an Assistant Director of Annual Giving to partner with colleges, campuses, units, and programs. You will develop data-informed strategies, manage multichannel campaigns, and grow philanthropic support while collaborating with development colleagues to engage donors across the University.

The role emphasizes relationship-building, analytics-driven decisions, and building inclusive donor engagement. Based at University Park with opportunities for flexible work arrangements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher plus one or more years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination.
• Experience developing or implementing annual giving campaigns across multiple channels.
• Ability to use data and campaign results to inform fundraising strategies.
• Strong project management skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to an inclusive and respectful environment for all constituents.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Self-motivation and a proactive, collaborative mindset.
• Interest in ongoing professional development and mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement data-informed annual giving strategies for assigned units.
• Create multichannel campaigns across direct mail, email, phone, text, digital, social media, and events.
• Collaborate with unit colleagues to identify fundraising opportunities and priorities.
• Work with communications teams to craft messaging and assets supporting goals.
• Identify, solicit, cultivate, and steward prospects and donors.
• Monitor campaign performance and inform future optimization.
• Communicate Penn State’s needs and values effectively.
• Coordinate with vendors, staff, volunteers, donors, and boards.

Skills

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Annual giving campaigns

Data-informed decision making

Project management

Written & verbal communication

Collaboration across teams

Independent working & initiative

Inclusive environment advocacy

Continuous learning

Self-motivation & teamwork

Mentorship mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Tools

Workfront

GiveCampus

Salesforce

Job description

Penn State is seeking an Assistant Director of Annual Giving to partner with colleges, campuses, units, and programs. You will develop data-informed strategies, manage multichannel campaigns, and grow philanthropic support while collaborating with development colleagues to engage donors across the University.

The role emphasizes relationship-building, analytics-driven decisions, and building inclusive donor engagement. Based at University Park with opportunities for flexible work arrangements.