Director of Annual Giving

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• 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.

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

An innovative, entrepreneurial, and experienced fundraiser and team manager is needed in the role of Director to lead one of the nation's largest annual giving operations and to pioneer new modes of engaging alumni and friends as partners in supporting The Pennsylvania State University. This position is charged with guiding and overseeing all annual gift appeals-direct mail, digital, and telemarketing-for an alumni constituency of more than 750,000 as well as friends and fans of the University. 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.

The Director reports to the Assistant Vice President for External Engagement and manages a team of 29 full-time staff members who work in partnership with colleagues at 24 campuses and in colleges and programs across the University to pursue creative and comprehensive strategies for increasing annual support, primarily through gifts below $10,000. With significant experience not only in annual gift fundraising but also in management, and with an ambitious vision for the future of annual giving at Penn State, the Director will:

• Possess exceptional team management skills and have a record of success in managing and mentoring in an authentic team environment;
• Articulate Penn State's needs, ambitions, and values, including diversity, equity, and inclusion, through excellent informal and formal communications;
• Merge best practices from a successful annual giving career with a commitment to data-driven innovation in the field, helping to set the standard for higher education fundraising;
• Collaborate with other External Engagement offices in creating annual giving marketing plans, appeals, digital/social media strategies, and donor recognition activities and events that reinforce University-wide philanthropy messaging and priorities;
• Participate in leadership-level discussions and decision making about the role of annual giving in advancing Penn State's philanthropic objectives and expanding the University's donor base and pipeline;
• Guide the integration of robust, leading-edge analytics and donor research into every aspect of the annual giving operation, from marketing plans and specific appeals to goal-setting and assessment;
• Develop customized solutions for partner units that reflect the needs of specific programs and the interests of specific constituencies while making efficient use of resources and personnel;
• Recruit, supervise, train, and mentor a team of annual giving professionals with a broad range of responsibilities and skills;
• Provide direction and strategy for the annual leadership gift team;
• Oversee and optimize the effectiveness of Lion Line, the University's student-staffed telefund operation;
• Plan and execute appeal strategies leading to significant increases in annual support and engagement.

This position typically requires a Bachelor's degree or higher plus 10+ 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 increasing annual gift support through innovative appeals and targeted strategies;
• A dedication to and understanding of the skills required to build relationships with diverse communities;
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion;
• An ability to represent the Office of Annual Giving and the Office of University Development both within Penn State and in larger professional contexts, including national conferences and organizations;
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills, with a particular sensitivity to the needs and interests of varied constituencies;
• 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.

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: