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Penn State University Talent Acquisition

Director of Development, Parent Philanthropy

Penn State University Talent Acquisition, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States, 16802


Reference #: REQ_0000058314 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.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Penn State is currently seeking a strong leader and top frontline fundraiser in the role of Director of Development to engage alumni, parents, and friends as partners in supporting Parent Philanthropy. 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 Parent Philanthropy, 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 Parent Philanthropy's 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 annual goals for Parent Philanthropy; Support the fundraising priorities of the Vice President for Student Affairs; Manage a team including a fundraiser and support staff; Supervise the management of stewardship across a wide range of central scholarships and program funds; Act as the central clearing house for all parent prospects with the Director having responsibility for managing high net worth prospects across the units; Mentor, coach and collaborate with the team of major gift officers as they cultivate, close and steward gifts of $100K+ in support of their assigned units and Penn State's next 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; 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; A knowledge of growing and managing teams and individual talent and strategically building and engaging donor/prospect pools; Expertise at principal gift level activity especially as it relates to dealing with high-net-worth parent 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.

Office of Parent Philanthropy Penn State established the Office of Parent Philanthropy to help families play a role in the success of their students through active philanthropy and volunteerism. This office has an inside view of administrative priorities, campus activities and the day-to-day lives of Penn State students. Parent Philanthropy's mission introduces parents to the University and helps them find ways for their giving to make an impact. Connect: Students walk onto a campus full of opportunity. For their next four years they will discover their true selves and form lifelong relationships. Penn State will have been at the heart of that transformation. This incredible experience will be theirs, but the Office of Parent Philanthropy connects parents with the University, too, by learning more about this institution their student loves, and about opportunities for support. Inspire: The Office of Parent Philanthropy staff introduces families to individual programs, departments, and people that have shaped their student's time at Penn State and continue to advance their dreams. Parent Philanthropy shows them the depth and breadth of the Penn State experience by helping them learn about the world-class academics that are inspiring their student, the almost limitless co-curricular offerings that keep students full engaged outside the classroom, and the significant support services that provide one of the most comprehensive and secure student collegiate experiences in our country. Partner: Much of what makes Penn State a great University is owed to the generosity of parents, alumni, and friends of the University. From funding scholarships for international study abroad, to providing direct support for enhanced programming, recreational activities, and central student services, parents have been integral partners in making Penn State the great institution it is.

Parent Philanthro