Assistant Director, Volunteer Programs

Penn State University • University Park, IL

3d

About The Position

Penn State is currently seeking a Assistant Director in supporting the Office of Volunteer Programs to assist in the recruitment, engagement, and management of volunteers supporting the Office of University Development's fundraising efforts. 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 Director of Volunteer Programs and working closely with unit fundraising leadership and unit fundraising volunteer coordinators, as well as other partners, this Assistant Director will: Support the director in the strategic direction of the office of Volunteer Programs within the office of University Development (OUD). This includes development of volunteer recruitment, engagement, in-person and virtual training and education, and recognition practices. Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications; Assist the director in administering and staffing up to three central campaign committees. Assist in the creation and coordination of communications, meetings and events of University-wide volunteers, and maintenance of central websites and virtual platforms serving the volunteer audience. Serve as DDAR coordinator and co-chair on the internal We Are Engagement Network committee Work in concert with OUD leadership and unit fundraising leaders to develop and offer meaningful and thorough volunteer training programs, such as the Virtual Noontime Knowledge Series. Additionally, coordinate bimonthly meetings with the Alumni Association’s Volunteer team and quarterly volunteer staff cohort meetings to develop staff training programs to broaden and deepen volunteer interactions. The position plays a key role in maintaining meaningful partnerships with unit fundraising leaders, unit fundraising volunteer coordinators, and university partners to ensure strong management processes and systems are in place to effectively engage volunteers at all levels. Engage in marketing and communications efforts related to OUD's volunteer program; may include writing for print and on-line publications Participate in the strategic and long-range planning for new initiatives and programs designed to enhance volunteer activities for OUD Provide support to volunteers and other staff in order to develop and execute strategies and programs Work collaboratively with partners to maximize volunteer program success for the University Assist in the planning and coordination of college programs and special events both on and off campus for central development. The successful candidate will have: A bachelor’s degree or higher plus two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience; Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills; The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues; Flexibility, tact, confidence, and strong instincts for protocol and etiquette. Excellent attention to detail and superb organizational skills, including the ability to set ambitious goals and to establish an internal system for meeting deadlines, tracking, follow-up, monitoring, and reporting of progress. 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. Occasional evening and weekend work is 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.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or higher plus two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills
• The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues
• Flexibility, tact, confidence, and strong instincts for protocol and etiquette.
• Excellent attention to detail and superb organizational skills, including the ability to set ambitious goals and to establish an internal system for meeting deadlines, tracking, follow-up, monitoring, and reporting of progress.
• 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.
• Occasional evening and weekend work is required.

Responsibilities

• Support the director in the strategic direction of the office of Volunteer Programs within the office of University Development (OUD). This includes development of volunteer recruitment, engagement, in-person and virtual training and education, and recognition practices.
• Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications
• Assist the director in administering and staffing up to three central campaign committees.
• Assist in the creation and coordination of communications, meetings and events of University-wide volunteers, and maintenance of central websites and virtual platforms serving the volunteer audience.
• Serve as DDAR coordinator and co-chair on the internal We Are Engagement Network committee
• Work in concert with OUD leadership and unit fundraising leaders to develop and offer meaningful and thorough volunteer training programs, such as the Virtual Noontime Knowledge Series.
• Coordinate bimonthly meetings with the Alumni Association’s Volunteer team and quarterly volunteer staff cohort meetings to develop staff training programs to broaden and deepen volunteer interactions.
• Maintain meaningful partnerships with unit fundraising leaders, unit fundraising volunteer coordinators, and university partners to ensure strong management processes and systems are in place to effectively engage volunteers at all levels.
• Engage in marketing and communications efforts related to OUD's volunteer program; may include writing for print and on-line publications
• Participate in the strategic and long-range planning for new initiatives and programs designed to enhance volunteer activities for OUD
• Provide support to volunteers and other staff in order to develop and execute strategies and programs
• Work collaboratively with partners to maximize volunteer program success for the University
• Assist in the planning and coordination of college programs and special events both on and off campus for central development.

Benefits

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees