Assistant Vice President, University Development

The Pennsylvania State University•University Park, FL

12d

About The Position

Penn State is currently seeking a talented and leadership-level frontline fundraiser in the role of Assistant Vice President, University Development to assist with and help establish, implement and guide the major gift fundraising efforts of the University. As a critical and influential 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. Working closely with Office of University Development’s (OUD) senior fundraising staff, the Assistant Vice President will serve on the OUD leadership team and will be among three Assistant Vice Presidents, University Development reporting to the Senior Associate Vice President for Development responsible for providing strategic leadership to the unit fundraising teams. This senior development position will require a candidate with extraordinary experience and vision. This 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 and will provide strategic direction and leadership on management issues and major gift strategy development for those units. The Assistant Vice President, University Development will also: 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 OUD and University fundraising goals by serving as collegial and thoughtful team leader and coach who will work with partners across the University; 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 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.

Requirements

master’s degree or higher
12 years or more of combined major gifts and related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
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
A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks

Responsibilities

Assist with and help establish, implement and guide the major gift fundraising efforts of the University
Serve on the OUD leadership team
Provide strategic leadership to the unit fundraising teams
Management, oversight and mentorship of Directors and Senior Directors of Development for select campuses, colleges, and University Park fundraising units
Provide strategic direction and leadership on management issues and major gift strategy development for those units
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 OUD and University fundraising goals by serving as collegial and thoughtful team leader and coach who will work with partners across the University
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 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