Associate Director of Stewardship, College of Liberal Arts

Penn State University•Ferguson Township, PA

About The Position

Penn State is currently seeking a Associate Director of Stewardship in supporting the College of Liberal Arts. 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 Engagement and working closely with College of Liberal Arts volunteer engagement and gift officers, as well as other partners, this Associate Director of Stewardship will Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications as well as the responsibilities below.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree
6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Collaboration and strategic thinking
Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills
The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues
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

Responsibilities

Maintain and optimize existing stewardship structures and processes that are effectively serving donors and the institution, while identifying and implementing new approaches that enhance impact and advance the work.
Through ongoing evaluation and assessment, this position ensures stewardship efforts continuously evolve to maximize donor engagement, satisfaction, and philanthropic outcomes.
Oversee endowment management efforts as the primary stewardship liaison between academic units and Alumni Relations and Development
Provide guidance and education to faculty, staff, and unit leaders on endowment spending policies and strategic utilization of funds to best serve students and unit priorities
Ensure endowments are spent at maximum allowable levels in ways that align with donor intent while strategically addressing the college's most critical needs
Coordinate with eSteward systems and participate in strategic planning for stewardship and endowment-related initiatives
Collaborate with development writers to create and execute multi-channel communication strategies that engage donors throughout the giving lifecycle, showcasing impact through compelling stewardship content while ensuring consistent, high-quality messaging aligned with institutional brand and advancement priorities
Contribute to long-range planning for new initiatives that enhance stewardship activities and donor engagement.
Work with college partners to innovate and strengthen stewardship initiatives based on best practices and donor feedback.
Partner with appropriate donor and alumni relations team members to strategize, plan and execute donor recognition events, both on-campus and off-site, that meaningfully connect donors with students, faculty, and impact.
Work collaboratively across the university to maximize stewardship effectiveness and donor satisfaction
Provide professional guidance and support to volunteers, faculty, and staff involved in stewardship activities
Communicate stewardship goals and responsibilities clearly to unit leadership and internal and external stakeholders
May supervise, train, and direct assigned staff members to achieve stewardship objectives

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.

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