Associate Director of Stewardship, College of Liberal Arts

The Pennsylvania State University • University Park, FL

1d • $68,200 - $102,300

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. Stewardship Program Leadership 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 Communications and Marketing 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 Strategic Planning and Program Development 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. Event Planning and Donor Engagement 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. Collaboration and Leadership 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 The successful candidate will have: 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. 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. Questions related to flexible work arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Requirements

• 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
• Bachelor's Degree
• 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Responsibilities

• Maintain and optimize existing stewardship structures and processes
• Oversee endowment management efforts
• Provide guidance and education to faculty, staff, and unit leaders on endowment spending policies
• 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
• Contribute to long-range planning for new initiatives that enhance stewardship activities and donor engagement
• Partner with appropriate donor and alumni relations team members to strategize, plan and execute donor recognition events
• 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.

What This Job Offers

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