Director/Senior Director of Principal Gifts

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Penn State is currently seeking a top frontline fundraiser in the role of Director/Senior Director of Principal Gifts to engage alumni and friends as partners in supporting Penn State. 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 .

Reporting to the Senior Assistant Vice President for Principal Gifts and working closely with university leadership, as well as other partners and central development offices, this Director/Senior Director of Principal Gifts will:

• Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values, including diversity, equity, and inclusion, through excellent informal and formal communications, including written proposals;
• Raise a minimum of $10 million annually for various strategic needs throughout the university;
• Manage a portfolio of top prospects and plan and execute solicitation strategies leading to principal-level gifts;
• Travel extensively throughout the region and across the country to pursue strategies and build enduring relationships, tracked to a fixed and appropriately aggressive set of fundraising metrics;
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Division of Development and Alumni Relations and the entire university to secure complex and transformational gifts;
• Serve as an ambassador for the university and its priorities and values.

This position will be filled as a level 4 or 5 depending on the successful candidate’s competencies, education, and experience. It typically requires a bachelor’s degree or higher and seven years or more of combined major gifts and related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience for a level 4. Additional experience and/or education and competencies are required for higher level jobs. The successful candidate will also have:

• A track record of success in securing major and principal 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;
• 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.

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

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 .

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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.

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