Assistant Director of Annual Giving, Office of Primary Giving

Penn State University • University Park, IL

3d • $54,060 - $78,444 • Onsite

About The Position

The Primary Giving Office manages all annual giving fundraising efforts for alumni, students, families, employees, retirees, and friends across the University system for gifts up to $100,000. 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. Reporting to the Associate Director of Annual Giving, the Assistant Director will serve as a strategic annual giving partner to assigned colleges, campuses, units, and University programs. This position will collaborate with development colleagues and other partners to develop data-informed fundraising strategies, engage donors, and grow philanthropic support for Penn State.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher plus one or more years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience developing or implementing annual giving, fundraising or marketing campaigns across multiple channels, including direct mail, email, telephone, text, digital fundraising, and/or social media.
• Demonstrated ability to use data and campaign results to inform fundraising strategies and decision-making.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders across an organization.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and contribute effectively as part of a team.
• Commitment to creating and maintaining an inclusive and respectful environment for all students, colleagues, alumni, and friends of the University.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• A proven ability to self-motivate and work both independently and as part of a team;
• A commitment to professional development, learning, and being mentored.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in higher education advancement, annual giving, alumni relations, or a related fundraising environment.
• Experience with fundraising, customer relationship management, project management, or digital fundraising technologies. Experience with platforms such as Workfront, GiveCampus, Salesforce, or similar systems is preferred but not required.
• Experience developing strategies for audience segmentation, donor acquisition, retention, reactivation, or increased giving.
• Experience partnering with frontline fundraisers or unit development colleagues to achieve shared fundraising goals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement data-informed annual giving strategies that engage, acquire, retain, and increase donor support for assigned colleges, campuses, units, and University programs. Use donor and campaign data to identify opportunities, evaluate results, and inform future strategies
• Develop and manage multichannel fundraising campaigns and initiatives, including direct mail, email, telephone, text, digital fundraising, social media, personal solicitations, and events. Ensure campaigns align with central and unit priorities and budgets.
• Serve as a strategic partner to assigned unit colleagues, helping identify fundraising opportunities, establish priorities, develop campaign strategies, and translate unit needs into effective annual giving initiatives.
• Collaborate with development communications and creative teams to develop compelling concepts, messaging, copy, and creative assets that support annual giving goals and effectively communicate Penn State's needs, ambitions, and values.
• Identify, solicit, cultivate, and steward prospects and donors, with an emphasis on strengthening donor relationships and encouraging continued philanthropic engagement.
• Monitor and evaluate campaign performance, prepare reports and recommendations, and use results to optimize fundraising strategies and improve future initiatives.
• Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications;
• Work with and manage vendors, staff, volunteers, donors, committees, and boards
• Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and respectful team environment.
• Develop and produce internal and external materials, proposals, solicitations, and reports
• Interact with University staff and administration
• Coordinate and participate in various meetings and professional activities that advance the goals of the Office of Primary Giving.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with alumni and friends of the University
• May assume responsibility for office operations, as necessary

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level