Assistant Vice President, Colleges, Campuses, Units

Penn State University•University Park, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Penn State is seeking a talented and leadership-level frontline fundraiser in the role of Assistant Vice President, Colleges, Campuses, and Units (CCU) within the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR). This position will assist with, oversee, refine, and guide the major gift fundraising efforts of the University. As a critical and influential member of DDAR, this role plays an integral part in Penn State’s future and contributes to one of the most successful fundraising and alumni relations operations in the country. Reporting to the Associate Vice President, CCU, the assistant vice president will be a senior fundraising leader, serving on the CCU leadership team. This role is primarily responsible for providing strategic leadership to the College, Campus, and Unit fundraising teams within their purview and may take on special projects as requested by the Associate Vice President. This senior development position requires a candidate with extraordinary experience and vision. The role is responsible for the management, oversight, and mentorship of Directors and Senior Directors of Development for select campuses, colleges, and University Park fundraising units, providing strategic direction and leadership on management issues and major gift strategy development for those units.

Requirements

A proven track record in staff management, especially managing through metrics and analysis.
The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues.
The ability to execute strategies at the college and unit levels.
Direct major gift fundraising experience.
Significant leadership experience in a higher education institution of considerable organizational complexity.
Experience in managing and leading goal-oriented teams and in planning development strategies, including personnel and budgetary management.
Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills, with a particular sensitivity to sophisticated, high-net worth audiences.
A collaborative approach to leadership as the Assistant Vice Presidents interact with a variety of University constituents in order to maximize the performance of assigned team members.
The ability to work productively with colleagues, volunteers, and the University’s academic leadership.
Diplomacy, tact, outstanding communication, and interpersonal skills, along with unquestioned integrity, are essential.
Demonstrated success in managing individuals and teams.
A passion for higher education and an understanding of complex institutions.
A commitment to professional development, learning, and being mentored.

Responsibilities

Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications, and serve as a role model for the Division’s commitment to this objective.
Contribute to overall CCU and University fundraising goals by serving as a collegial and thoughtful team leader and coach who will work with partners across the University, including Intercollegiate Athletics and Penn State Health and College of Medicine.
Assist units with their engagement of their identified prospect pools and pipelines of prospects for immediate and long-term cultivation.
Assist units in the development of annual goals, plans, and budgets for a comprehensive, strategy-driven fundraising program.
Identify, cultivate, and solicit select major and principal gifts on behalf of the University.
Serve as an ambassador for the University and its priorities and values with donors, alumni, and volunteers.