Chief of Staff, Office of Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Penn State is currently seeking a Chief of Staff for the Office of Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations. As the inaugural hire into this critical position, you can play an integral role in Penn State's future and ensure the continued success of the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR), one of the most successful fundraising and alumni relations operations in the country.

Reporting to the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations and working closely with key stakeholders throughout DDAR, as well as a broad array of other partners - including within the Office of the President and other executive level constituencies - this Chief of Staff will:

• Partner closely with the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations to create and implement initiatives that align with Penn State's mission and goals, and the objectives of the University's fundraising priorities.
• Articulate Penn State's needs, ambitions, and values, including diversity, equity, and inclusion, through excellent informal and formal communications.
• Promote the vision of the University President and the mission of the DDAR, serving as a champion for organizational values and goals.
• Liaise with the President's Chief of Staff to ensure alignment on university-wide priorities and initiatives.
• Represent the Vice President in internal and external meetings as needed, ensuring clear communication and follow-up.
• Draft and review internal and external communications on behalf of the Vice President with a professional and polished writing style.
• Coordinate daily operations and ensure the effective functioning of the Office of Vice President.
• Lead cross-functional teams to implement key initiatives and address complex challenges.
• Manage special projects, ensuring timelines, budgets, and deliverables are met
• Oversee staff and resource allocation, identifying opportunities for process improvement and cost optimization.
• Create and maintain systems for tracking progress and measuring outcomes of initiatives.
• Develop budgets and financial plans for the division in collaboration with relevant staff.

This position typically requires a bachelor's degree or higher plus 8 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The successful candidate will also have:

• Proven ability to navigate organizational and situational complexity, providing clarity and direction in multifaceted contexts.
• A dedication to and understanding of the skills required to build relationships with diverse communities.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proven leadership and project management skills, with a track record of driving organizational change and achieving results.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships at all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with attention to detail and a strategic mindset.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Progressively responsible experience in development, alumni relations, and/or other areas within higher education advancement is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with Penn State University, its culture, and its alumni community is highly desirable.

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

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:

Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: