Assistant Vice President, University Development

Penn State is currently seeking a talented and leadership-level frontline fundraiser in the role of Assistant Vice President, University Development to assist with and help establish, implement and guide the major gift fundraising efforts of the University. As a critical and influential member of 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.

Working closely with Office of University Development’s (OUD) senior fundraising staff, the Assistant Vice President will serve on the OUD leadership team and will be among three Assistant Vice Presidents, University Development reporting to the Senior Associate Vice President for Development responsible for providing strategic leadership to the unit fundraising teams. This senior development position will require a candidate with extraordinary experience and vision. This role is responsible for the management, oversight and mentorship of Directors and Senior Directors of Development for select campuses, colleges, and University Park fundraising units and will provide strategic direction and leadership on management issues and major gift strategy development for those units. The Assistant Vice President, University Development will also:

• Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values, including diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, through excellent informal and formal communications, and serve as a role model for the Division’s commitment to this objective;
• Contribute to overall OUD and University fundraising goals by serving as collegial and thoughtful team leader and coach who will work with partners across the University;
• Assist units with their engagement of their identified prospect pools and pipelines of prospects for immediate and long-term cultivation;
• Assist units in the development of annual goals, plans, and budgets for a comprehensive, strategy-driven fundraising program;
• Identify, cultivate and solicit major and principal gifts on behalf of the University;
• Serve as an ambassador for the University and its priorities and values with donors, alumni and volunteers.

This position typically requires a master’s degree or higher and 12 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 proven track record in staff management, especially managing through metrics and analysis;
• A dedication to and understanding of the skills required to build relationships with diverse communities;
• The ability to execute strategies at the college and unit levels;
• Direct major gift fundraising experience;
• Significant leadership experience in a higher education institution of considerable organizational complexity;
• Experience in managing and leading goal-oriented teams and in planning development strategies, including personnel and budgetary management;
• Demonstrated knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in higher education;
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills, with a particular sensitivity to sophisticated, high-net worth audiences; 
• A collaborative approach to leadership as the Assistant Vice Presidents interact with a variety of University constituents in order to maximize the performance of assigned team members;
• The ability to work productively with colleagues, volunteers and the University’s academic leadership;
• Diplomacy, tact, outstanding communication, and interpersonal skills, along with unquestioned integrity, are essential;
• Demonstrated success in managing individuals and teams;
• A passion for higher education and an understanding of complex institutions;
• A commitment to professional development, learning, and being mentored.

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 all 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

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