Director of Development, University Programs

Penn State is currently seeking a strong leader and top frontline fundraiser in the role of Director of Development to engage alumni and friends as partners in supporting University Programs. 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.

The University is committed to ensuring that diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are central to the success of a world-class research institution. We are dedicated to fostering an institutional culture supporting the University's core values, with inclusion being a fundamental strength and an essential element of our public service mission: equity.psu.edu/equity-at-penn-state/resources. The University's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is mirrored in the Division of Development and Alumni Relations' own ongoing work in these spaces: raise.psu.edu/diversity-equity-and-inclusion

Charged with guiding and overseeing all development and alumni relations activities for University Programs, this position reports directly to an Assistant Vice President for University Development and receives direction from unit leadership on fundraising objectives and priorities. The Director of Development also works with other partners across the University and other development offices. With significant experience not only in fundraising but also in management, and with an entrepreneurial and ambitious vision for University Programs' fundraising operation, the Director of Development will:

• Articulate Penn State's needs, ambitions, and values, including diversity, equity, and inclusion, through excellent informal and formal communications, including written proposals;
• Oversee the strategic fundraising efforts and yearly goals for assigned units;
• Support the fundraising priorities of the Vice President for Student Affairs and the Vice Provost for Graduate Education - Dean of the Graduate School;
• Manage a team including a fundraiser, direct support staff, and the alumni relations and stewardship office (consisting of a director and two staff members) of the Graduate School;
• Supervise the management of stewardship across a wide range of central scholarships and program funds;

• Mentor, coach and collaborate with the team of major gift officers across the division as they cultivate, close and steward gifts of $100K+ in support of their assigned units and Penn State's comprehensive campaign;
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit an assigned prospect pool;
• Guide a diversely representative volunteer committee charged with meaningful roles and responsibilities in the fundraising process, with the potential to form and build out additional committees;
• 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 University and its priorities and values.

This position typically requires a bachelor's degree or higher and 8+ years of relevant experience, including 3+ years of supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The successful candidate will also have:

• A track record of success in securing major gifts and meeting fundraising goals, strategically building and engaging donor/prospect pools;

• A dedication to and understanding of the skills required to build relationships with diverse communities;
• Demonstrated knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education;
• Experience in managing and leading goal-oriented teams and in planning development strategies;
• An ability to manage across functional areas and work through others as the chief fundraiser for the unit;
• Success in growing and managing teams as well as individual talent;
• Expertise at principal gift level activity especially as it relates to dealing with high-net-worth prospects;
• A high level of professional maturity and tact in interfacing with executives at the highest levels of the institution while addressing new opportunities with professional dexterity and a collegial approach;
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills, with a particular sensitivity to sophisticated, high-net worth audiences;
• 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.

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.

Division of Student Affairs

The Division of Student Affairs oversees programming, advocacy, and support for students in multiple functional areas: Health and Wellness; Involvement and Student Life; Community and Belonging; Leadership and Career Success; Support, Safety and Conduct; and Facilities and Spaces. The office supports all Penn State Students across the university's 24 campuses and delivers innovative, affirming programing and services in the areas of healthcare/medical and mental health, recreation and leisure activities, student support and success initiatives, alcohol and drug education, spiritual development, diversity programming, resident life, Greek housing and organizational support, and much more: studentaffairs.psu.edu.

The Fox Graduate School at Penn State

The Graduate School is one of the largest in the nation, offering more than 300 graduate degree programs, including both research and professional master's and doctoral degrees, and more than 200 graduate major fields of study. Additionally, the Graduate School offers a multitude of post-baccalaureate and graduate credit certificates. The Graduate School is world renowned for excellence and the Director will support the fundraising and alumni relations efforts of the school: gradschool.psu.edu.

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 world. 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 also committed to ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the success of a world-class research institution. We are concerned uniquely with the institutional change required for visioning and realizing a more socially just University: equity.psu.edu/diversity-resources

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