Assistant Director of Gift Acceptance, Office of Gift Acceptance

The Pennsylvania State University • University Park, FL

11d • Onsite

About The Position

Penn State is currently seeking an Assistant Director of Gift Acceptance to support the Office of Gift Acceptance. As a member of the Division of Development and Alumni Relations, this role plays an integral part in Penn State’s future and contributes to a successful fundraising and alumni relations operation. Reporting to the Director of Gift Acceptance and working closely with partners throughout the university, this Assistant Director will serve as the primary drafter of new and revised Guideline Agreements and Statements of Donor Intent, which establish the terms governing donor-restricted funds and document intentions for future gifts. The role involves collaborating with DDAR staff across all Units to obtain and evaluate information for accurate documentation of donor commitments, identifying and resolving issues with proposed donor terms, and ensuring compliance with University policies and applicable legal requirements. The Assistant Director will work closely with the Director of Gift Acceptance on complex or non-routine gift documentation, including matters involving donor intent, University policies, and applicable legal requirements. Additionally, the position will coordinate and communicate with the Office of Student Aid, Endowment Accounting, Donor Relations, and other University partners to ensure documentation completeness and compliance with University requirements. The Assistant Director will serve as a resource to DDAR staff regarding gift documentation, donor restrictions, funding requirements, and the administration of donor-restricted funds. Collaboration with the Gift Acceptance team is key to ensure appropriate documentation and recording of future pledges and other planned gifts. The role also coordinates the execution process of all final gift documentation to maintain accurate records and request fund creation of new endowments and non-endowed funds. Furthermore, the Assistant Director will develop and maintain procedures, templates, training materials, and other resources to promote consistency, accuracy, and efficiency in the preparation and administration of gift documentation, and articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications.

Requirements

• Paralegal, Legal Assistant or similar with experience in drafting or reviewing gift documentation or legal contracts and agreements
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills
• The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues
• Familiarity with planned gifts, life income gifts, and estate/trust administration
• Knowledge of federal and state charitable giving and estate laws
• The ability to communicate complex gift and financial details to a variety of audiences including internal and external constituents
• The capacity to meet tight deadlines and to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• A demonstrated ability to interact effectively and efficiently with donors, development officers, and members of the legal & advisory communities
• 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
• Bachelor's Degree
• 3+ years of relevant experience (if filled as Gift Planning Specialist - Advanced Professional); or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• 1+ years of relevant experience (if filled as Gift Planning Specialist - Intermediate Professional); or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary drafter of new and revised Guideline Agreements and Statements of Donor Intent, which establish the terms governing donor-restricted funds and document intentions for future gifts
• Collaborate with DDAR staff across all Units to obtain and evaluate information necessary to accurately document donor commitments, identify and resolve issues with proposed donor terms, and ensure compliance with University policies and applicable legal requirements
• Work closely with the Director of Gift Acceptance on complex or non-routine gift documentation, including matters involving donor intent, University policies, and applicable legal requirements
• Coordinate and communicate with the Office of Student Aid, Endowment Accounting, Donor Relations, and other University partners to ensure that documentation is complete and meets all applicable University requirements
• Serve as a resource to DDAR staff regarding gift documentation, donor restrictions, funding requirements, and the administration of donor-restricted funds
• Collaborate with the Gift Acceptance team to ensure the appropriate documentation and recording of future pledges and other planned gifts
• Coordinate the execution process of all final gift documentation to maintain accurate records and request fund creation of new endowments and non-endowed funds
• Develop and maintain procedures, templates, training materials, and other resources to promote consistency, accuracy, and efficiency in the preparation and administration of gift documentation
• Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick time)
• 75% tuition discount for employees, eligible spouses, and children

What This Job Offers

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