Penn State is currently seeking a strong leader and top frontline fundraiser in the role of Director of Alumni Development to engage alumni and friends as partners in supporting the Penn State Alumni Association (PSAA), the nation’s largest dues-paying alumni organization representing more than 170,000 dues paying members from around the world. As a member of the PSAA and the Division of Development and Alumni Relations, 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.
The University is committed to ensuring that diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging 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. We are concerned uniquely with the institutional change required for visioning and realizing a more socially just University: equity.psu.edu/diversity-resources. The University’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is mirrored in the Division of Development and Alumni Relations’ own ongoing work in these spaces: raise.psu.edu/diversity-equity-and-inclusion
This position reports directly to an Assistant Vice President for University Development and works closely with the CEO of PSAA. The Director of Alumni Development also works with other partners across the University and central development offices. With experience in fundraising and with an entrepreneurial and ambitious vision for the PSAA’s fundraising operation, the Director of Alumni Development will:
- Provide leadership and direction to all aspects of the PSAA development programs;
- Articulate Penn State’s and PSAA’s needs, ambitions, and values, including diversity, equity, and inclusion, through excellent informal and formal communications, including written proposals;
- Work collaboratively with PSAA leadership, development committee volunteers, and central University Development staff to ensure fundraising success;
- Build and foster relationships with increasingly diverse internal and external constituents;
- Lead PSAA’s development efforts to successfully identify, cultivate and solicit alumni and friends for philanthropic support of PSAA;
- Complete a total of twelve monthly visits with prospects and donors; manage a development budget;
- Develop and present formal solicitation proposals;
- Interpret research information pertinent to building productive relationships with potential donors;
- Work collaboratively with university leadership, staff, volunteers and donors to create and implement plans to secure philanthropic gifts (at a $2,500 to $99,999 level), as well as major gifts ($100,000+);
- 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;
- Serve as an ambassador for the PSAA and its priorities and values.
This position typically requires a bachelor’s degree or higher and four years or more of combined major gifts and related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 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;
- Experience in managing and leading goal-oriented teams and in planning development strategies;
- Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills, with a particular sensitivity to sophisticated, high-net worth audiences;
- Impeccable writing, presentation skills, and ability to use various technologies;
- A passion for higher education and an understanding of complex institutions;
- 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.
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.
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 (DDAR). Our organization includes more than 500 professionals engaging a community of more than 700,000 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 twenty-four campuses and an online World Campus, our 100,000 students and 17,000 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
Penn State is a diverse and exciting institution that embraces individual uniqueness, fosters a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engages all individuals to help them thrive: equity.psu.edu
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
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