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• 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​

Penn State is currently seeking a strong leader and top frontline fundraiser in the role of Director of Development and Alumni Relations to engage alumni and friends as partners in supporting the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. As a member of the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR), 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.

Charged with guiding and overseeing all development and alumni relations activities for the college’s high-potential constituencies, this position reports directly to an Assistant Vice President for University Development and receives direction from college leadership on fundraising objectives and priorities. The Director of Development and Alumni Relations also works with other partners across the University and central development offices. With significant experience not only in fundraising but also in management, and with an entrepreneurial and ambitious vision for the Bellisario College of Communications fundraising operation, the Director of Development and Alumni Relations will:

• Articulate Penn State’s and the college’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications, including written proposals;
• Identify a pool and a pipeline of prospects for immediate and long-term cultivation;
• Supervise, train, and mentor a team of fundraisers, alumni relations professionals, and support staff, with a sustained focus on fostering inclusive relationships that yield meaningful results;
• Develop annual goals, plans, and budgets for a comprehensive, strategy-driven fundraising program;
• Recruit and guide a volunteer committee charged with meaningful roles and responsibilities in the fundraising process;
• Manage a portfolio of top prospects and 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;
• Serve as an ambassador for the college and its priorities and values.

The successful candidate will have:

• A track record of success in securing major gifts and meeting fundraising goals;
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills required to build relationships with sophisticated and high-net worth audiences;
• The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues;
• Experience in managing and leading goal-oriented teams and in planning development strategies;
• 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.

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 8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

 

Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications

Philanthropy will have a special impact in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications – the largest accredited program of its kind in the nation. Bellisario students continue to achieve awards and honors for their work in all areas of study within the college. In the past decade and a half, Penn State has the best overall finish in the Hearst combined competition (writing, TV, radio) of any school in the Big Ten Conference or the Northeast. Bellisario students have earned national competitions and honors within areas including PR Student of the Year, the American Advertising Federations Student Advertising competition, the Broadcast Education Association Festival of Media Arts, and the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. A network of more than 26,000 alumni provides a strong pool of support for everything from undergraduate programming and job searches to fundraising, in support of the mission of The Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications: preparing students to take their place in an information-rich society and in their professions as active, critical and ethical participants.

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

 

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 $109,300.00 - $164,000.00.

 

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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