Development Assistant, Penn State Berks

Penn State University • Berks, NE

1d • $40,608 - $58,836 • Hybrid

About The Position

Penn State is currently seeking a Development Assistant to support Penn State Berks. As a member of the Division of Development and Alumni Relations, this role plays an integral part in Penn State’s future and contributes to a successful fundraising and alumni relations operation. Reporting to the Director of Development and working closely with the Penn State Berks Office of Development and Alumni Relations, as well as other partners, this Development Assistant will be responsible for preparing and reviewing reports for Gift Officers and Directors of Development, supporting donor tracking and participation, and ensuring database record management. The role involves articulating Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent communication, handling gift receipting, depositing, communicating to spenders, tracking dollars, and communicating with the stewardship coordinator. The position requires collaboration with the head of the assigned unit, development and alumni staff, and committee volunteers to maximize fundraising efforts. The Development Assistant will provide assistance in the development of prospect strategies, respond to information requests, support annual fundraising goals and functions, and assist with annual planning. Additionally, the role involves providing administrative support for the travel of development staff, coordinating outreach and special events, managing the annual giving campaign, and creating/preparing data and reports. The position may also involve developing and distributing development marketing and promotional materials, participating in the management of portfolios of major gift prospects, and inputting updates and maintaining donor and alumni records. Other administrative tasks may include updating schedules and calendars, and overseeing the purchase of equipment and office supplies.

Requirements

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (SharePoint, Teams, and Office Suite)
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills
• The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues
• Demonstrated emotional intelligence, with strong problem-solving and analytical reasoning skills
• Exceptional organizational skills with strong attention to detail
• 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
• General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS)
• 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Nice To Haves

• experience with fundraising CRM platforms is a plus

Responsibilities

• Prepare, provide, and review various reports for Gift Officers and Directors of Development; support donor tracking and participation and ensure database record management
• Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications
• Gift receipting, depositing, communicating to spenders, tracking dollars and communication with stewardship coordinator
• Work collaboratively with the head of the assigned unit, development and alumni staff, committee volunteers, etc. to maximize fundraising efforts and success
• Provide assistance in the development of prospect strategies
• Respond to requests for information as needed
• Support annual fundraising 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 and alumni records
• May perform other administrative tasks such as updating and maintaining schedules and calendars and overseeing the purchase of equipment and office supplies

Benefits

• comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• robust retirement plans
• substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• 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