Development Assistant, Parent Philanthropy

Penn State University • University Park, IL

7d

About The Position

Penn State is currently seeking a Development Assistant for Parent Philanthropy to support fundraising, engagement, and stewardship efforts focused on parents and families of current Penn State students. As a member of the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR), this role plays an integral part in advancing Penn State’s philanthropic priorities by providing high-level administrative, project, and prospect management support to parent-focused development initiatives across the Penn State ecosystem. Reporting to the Director of Parent Philanthropy and working closely with development officers, alumni relations colleagues, and central DDAR partners, the Development Assistant will contribute to one of the most successful fundraising and alumni relations operations in the country.

Requirements

• 2+ years of relevant administrative, teaching, tech, fundraising, sales, nonprofit or related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Exemplary interpersonal, organizational, and verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to represent Penn State professionally to internal and external stakeholders, including high net-worth individuals
• Exceptional attention to detail, follow-through, and organizational consistency
• Ability to handle highly confidential information with discretion and sound judgment
• Proven ability to self-motivate, manage multiple priorities, and work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment for all students, families, and colleagues
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and related tools
• Commitment to professional development; willingness to learn and maintain proficiency in fundraising databases and reporting tools

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting director-level staff and/or working in a complex, deadline-driven environment is preferred

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive administrative and project support to parent philanthropy leadership and frontline fundraisers, including calendar coordination, meeting preparation, and follow-up
• Assist in producing development materials such as meeting agendas, solicitation proposals, annual giving appeals, briefing documents, presentations, and stewardship communications tailored to parent and family donors
• Conduct prospect and donor research; collect, compile, and maintain data related to parent fundraising initiatives
• Enter, update, and maintain accurate donor and prospect records and coding in fundraising databases; input goals and solicitations while ensuring adherence to applicable guidelines
• Prepare, review, and distribute reports related to donor engagement, giving activity, participation, and fundraising progress
• Support prospect management by assisting with strategy development, tracking moves, and monitoring portfolios
• Serve as a liaison between Parent Philanthropy and other DDAR units in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship processes; supports personalized donor appreciation
• Assist with planning, coordination, execution, and follow-up for parent-focused outreach, events, volunteer activities, and special initiatives
• Monitor and reconcile expenses; manage budget tracking and reporting
• Provide logistical support for development staff travel, including pre-travel preparation and post-travel follow-up
• Support annual fundraising goals and planning efforts related to parent giving
• Perform other administrative and development-related duties as assigned

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: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED