Development Assistant, Bellisario College of Communications

The Pennsylvania State University • University Park, FL

26d • Hybrid

About The Position

Penn State is currently seeking a Development Assistant for The Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications to support fundraising operations within the Office of Development and Alumni Relations. As a member of the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR), 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 Alumni Relations in the Bellisario College, and working closely with development officers, alumni relations and stewardship colleagues, and central DDAR partners, the Development Assistant will provide comprehensive administrative and project support to the development team, including the Director of Development and Alumni Relations as well as a frontline fundraiser, in the cultivation, solicitation, and closure of philanthropic gifts.

Requirements

• 2 or more years of relevant administrative, teaching, tech, fundraising, sales, nonprofit or related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills
• The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues
• 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
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, salesforce, and related tools
• 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; Relevant education accepted in lieu of experience
• Must operate a motor vehicle as part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications
• Manage and track proposal submissions, ensure gifts are recorded properly, and coordinate communications with internal and external stakeholders
• Conduct outreach to donors and prospects, schedule internal and external meetings for development officers, and facilitate travel arrangements as needed
• Assist in producing development materials such as meeting agendas, solicitation proposals, annual giving appeals, briefing documents, presentations, and stewardship communications
• Conduct prospect and donor research; collect, compile, and maintain data related to 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 the Bellisario College of Communications and other DDAR units in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship processes; supports personalized donor appreciation
• Assist as needed with planning, coordination, execution, and follow-up for events, volunteer activities, and special initiatives
• Negotiate and process contracts for necessary development and alumni events venues, caterers, hotels, etc.
• 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
• Perform other administrative and development-related duties as assigned

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED