As Penn State continues a record-setting campaign, A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence, a top frontline fundraiser is needed in the role of Assistant or Associate Director of Development to engage alumni and friends as partners in supporting student affairs development. The University is committed to ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the success of a world-class research institution. We are dedicated to fostering institutional change required to realize a more socially just University and we value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission. The Division of Student Affairs helps to shape the undergraduate experience from the moment that students arrive on our campuses for our orientation programs, to the co-curricular programming and recreational experiences that complement their academic studies, and even through their first job searches, supported by our career services.

Reporting to the Director of Development for Student Affairs, Educational Equity, Undergraduate Education and Parent Philanthropy and working closely with the unit’s leadership, as well as other partners and central development offices, this major gift officer will:

• Identify and cultivate a prospect pool of graduates and other key constituencies
• Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values, including diversity, equity, and inclusion, through excellent informal and formal communications, including written proposals
• Plan and execute solicitation strategies leading to major gifts
• Travel extensively throughout the region and across the country to pursue these strategies and build enduring relationships, tracked to a fixed and appropriately aggressive set of fundraising metrics

This position will be filled as a level 1 or level 2, depending upon the successful candidate’s competencies, education, and experience. It typically requires a bachelor’s degree or higher plus one year of related experience for a level 1. Additional experience and/or education and competencies are required for higher level jobs. The successful candidate will also have:

• A track record of success in securing major gifts and meeting fundraising goals
• A dedication to and understanding of the skills required to build relationships with diverse communities
• Demonstrated knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills
• 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
• Operation of a motor vehicle as part of the position’s duties and a valid driver’s license are required. Successful completion of a motor vehicle records check, in addition to standard background checks, is also required.

Division of Student Affairs:

Philanthropy has significant impact in Student Affairs. The many offices under the Vice President for Student Affairs provide students with a web of support and opportunity outside the classroom. Student Affairs supports and challenges students as they expand learning beyond the classroom, develop their personal and professional understanding and skills, and achieve the success they seek at Penn State and in their lives beyond. These opportunities deeply enrich the Penn State student experience and elevate the value of a Penn State degree. We also encourage a safe and healthy living and learning environment, in which students can explore endless interests, find their niche within the large and diverse Penn State community, and form lasting relationships. Learn more: studentaffairs.psu.edu A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence Penn State is a leading institution in furthering the public good while fulfilling our landgrant mission for a new era. This record-setting strategic fundraising initiative reflects our commitment to three core imperatives: greaterpennstate.psu.edu; raise.psu.edu

Building a Career and a Life at Penn State:

Penn State is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world by the Times Higher Education University Rankings, the Center for World University Rankings, and the Academic Ranking of World Universities: psu.edu/this-is-penn-state

Penn State is also committed to ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the success of a world-class research institution. We are concerned uniquely with the institutional change required for visioning and realizing a more socially just University: equity.psu.edu/diversity-resources

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

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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.