APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

The Assistant Director of Alumni Relations for the College of Health and Human Development plays a critical role in enhancing the engagement and connection of the University's alumni, develops and implements strategies to strengthen alumni relationships, increases participation in alumni events, promotes networking opportunities, and identifies, recruits, and manages alumni volunteers to serve on boards and committees.

As a 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.

For full consideration, applicants are asked to include a cover letter and resume/CV with their application.

This position will report to the Director of Alumni Relations and work closely with major gift officers, faculty, and staff of the College of Health and Human Development, as well as other partners across the university and alumni communities. The Assistant Director of Alumni Relations will:

• Collaborate on alumni engagement strategies, including events, communications, and outreach initiatives to foster a sense of community

• Organize and coordinate alumni events, including reunions, networking sessions, and professional development workshops

• Create and manage content for newsletters, social media, and other communication platforms to keep alumni informed and engaged; may include writing for print and online publications

• Assist in the identification, solicitation, and cultivation of students, alumni, volunteers, prospects, and donors

• Recruit alumni for participation in programs, alumni boards, and alumni committees

• Maintain and update alumni records in the database, ensuring accurate information for outreach and engagement efforts

• Participate in the strategic and long-range planning for new initiatives and programs designed to enhance alumni relations activities

• Work closely with internal teams to align alumni relations efforts with broader organizational goals

• Collect and analyze feedback from alumni to assess engagement strategies and identify opportunities for improvement

• Facilitate mentorship and networking opportunities between alumni and current students or recent graduates

• Provide professional guidance and leadership to volunteers, boards, committees, and other staff to develop and execute strategies and programs

• May plan and coordinate the nomination and selection process for various alumni association and/or scholarship awards

• Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications

The successful candidate will have:

• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills

• The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all colleagues

• 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

• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain meaningful relationships with alumni, volunteers, donors, and campus partners through authentic, service-oriented engagement

• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and events while maintaining a high level of attention to detail

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages and represent the college professionally across diverse audiences

• A collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset with the ability to work effectively across departments, adapt to changing priorities, and contribute to a positive team culture

• Initiative, sound judgment, and a proactive approach to identifying opportunities that strengthen alumni engagement and advance the college's mission

• A positive, adaptable approach to work, demonstrating resilience, flexibility, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities and challenges with professionalism and enthusiasm

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.

 

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

 

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 800,000 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

UNIT AND LOCATION INFORMATION

Heath and Human Development Building, 211 E. College Ave, 3rd Floor

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

 

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

 

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

 

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $59,580.00 - $86,400.00.

 

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

 

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

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.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

 

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