Development Assistant, Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications

Penn State University • Ferguson Township, PA

1d

About The Position

Penn State is currently seeking a Development Assistant in supporting Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. 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 Development and working closely with Alumni and Development Staff, as well as other partners, this Development Assistant will provides various support to Major Gift Officers, Directors of Development, and other development staff in support of the overall development and alumni related functions. This position engages in prospect and project management, collects and compiles data, provides administrative support, serves as the liaison between the unit and central DDAR, and assists in identifying and cultivating potential donors. Work collaboratively with the head of the assigned unit, development staff, committee volunteers, etc. to maximize fund raising efforts and success Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications Prepare, provide, and review various reports for Major Gift Officers and Directors of Development; support donor tracking and participation and ensure database record management Provide assistance in the development of prospect strategies Respond to requests for information as needed Support annual fund-raising goals and functions of the unit; assist with annual planning Provide administrative support for the travel of development staff; ensure staff have necessary pre-travel materials and post-travel follow-ups Coordinate outreach and special events Coordinate and manage annual giving campaign Create and prepare data and reports May develop and distribute development marketing and promotional materials such as newsletters Participate in the management of portfolios of major gift prospects; input updates and maintain donor records May perform other administrative tasks such as updating and maintaining schedules and calendars and overseeing the purchase of equipment and office supplies The successful candidate will have: familiarity in working with alumni relations, development, fundraising, non-profit or related field experience supporting executive roles 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

• General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS)
• 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Familiarity in working with alumni relations, development, fundraising, non-profit or related field experience supporting executive roles
• 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

• Engage in prospect and project management
• Collect and compile data
• Provide administrative support
• Serve as the liaison between the unit and central DDAR
• Assist in identifying and cultivating potential donors
• Work collaboratively with the head of the assigned unit, development staff, committee volunteers, etc. to maximize fund raising efforts and success
• Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications
• Prepare, provide, and review various reports for Major Gift Officers and Directors of Development; support donor tracking and participation and ensure database record management
• Provide assistance in the development of prospect strategies
• Respond to requests for information as needed
• Support annual fund-raising goals and functions of the unit; assist with annual planning
• Provide administrative support for the travel of development staff; ensure staff have necessary pre-travel materials and post-travel follow-ups
• Coordinate outreach and special events
• Coordinate and manage annual giving campaign
• Create and prepare data and reports
• May develop and distribute development marketing and promotional materials such as newsletters
• Participate in the management of portfolios of major gift prospects; input updates and maintain donor records
• May perform other administrative tasks such as updating and maintaining schedules and calendars and overseeing the purchase of equipment and office supplies

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
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees