Assistant Director Annual Giving - Office of Primary Giving

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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 an Assistant Director of Annual Giving in the Office of Primary Giving. The Primary Giving Office manages all annual giving fundraising efforts for alumni, students, families, employees, retirees, and friends across the University system for gifts up to $100,000.

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.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Annual Giving, the Assistant Director will serve as a strategic annual giving partner to assigned colleges, campuses, units, and University programs. This position will collaborate with development colleagues and other partners to develop data-informed fundraising strategies, engage donors, and grow philanthropic support for Penn State:

• Develop and implement data-informed annual giving strategies that engage, acquire, retain, and increase donor support for assigned colleges, campuses, units, and University programs. Use donor and campaign data to identify opportunities, evaluate results, and inform future strategies.
• Develop and manage multichannel fundraising campaigns and initiatives, including direct mail, email, telephone, text, digital fundraising, social media, personal solicitations, and events. Ensure campaigns align with central and unit priorities and budgets.
• Serve as a strategic partner to assigned unit colleagues, helping identify fundraising opportunities, establish priorities, develop campaign strategies, and translate unit needs into effective annual giving initiatives.
• Collaborate with development communications and creative teams to develop compelling concepts, messaging, copy, and creative assets that support annual giving goals and effectively communicate Penn State's needs, ambitions, and values.
• Identify, solicit, cultivate, and steward prospects and donors, with an emphasis on strengthening donor relationships and encouraging continued philanthropic engagement.
• Monitor and evaluate campaign performance, prepare reports and recommendations, and use results to optimize fundraising strategies and improve future initiatives.
• Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications.
• Work with and manage vendors, staff, volunteers, donors, committees, and boards.
• Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and respectful team environment.
• Develop and produce internal and external materials, proposals, solicitations, and reports.
• Interact with University staff and administration.
• Coordinate and participate in various meetings and professional activities that advance the goals of the Office of Primary Giving.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with alumni and friends of the University.
• May assume responsibility for office operations, as necessary.

Required Qualifications:

The successful candidate will have:

• Bachelor's degree or higher plus one or more years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience developing or implementing annual giving, fundraising or marketing campaigns across multiple channels, including direct mail, email, telephone, text, digital fundraising, and/or social media.
• Demonstrated ability to use data and campaign results to inform fundraising strategies and decision-making.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders across an organization.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and contribute effectively as part of a team.
• Commitment to creating and maintaining an inclusive and respectful environment for all students, colleagues, alumni, and friends of the University.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education advancement, annual giving, alumni relations, or a related fundraising environment.
• Experience with fundraising, customer relationship management, project management, or digital fundraising technologies. Experience with platforms such as Workfront, GiveCampus, Salesforce, or similar systems is preferred but not required.
• Experience developing strategies for audience segmentation, donor acquisition, retention, reactivation, or increased giving.
• Experience partnering with frontline fundraisers or unit development colleagues to achieve shared fundraising goals.

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
1+ 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

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.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 $54,060.00 - $78,444.00.

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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