Digital Gift Planning Officer, Office of Gift Planning (OGP)

The Pennsylvania State University•University Park, FL

About The Position

Penn State is seeking a Digital Gift Planning Officer to support the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR) in the Office of Gift Planning (OGP). The officer works with fundraising units and other partners to communicate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values, and to develop and improve marketing efforts that generate, evaluate, cultivate, and solicit leads using technology. The role also supports prospect engagement, stewardship, and straightforward bequest solicitations, matching University strengths and programs with donor interests and capabilities. The position reports to the Director of Gift Planning. It is based at the University Park campus in State College, Pennsylvania. Flexible work arrangements may be considered when consistent with the unit’s needs and the position’s essential duties; remote or hybrid work is not guaranteed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 1 year of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for students and colleagues.
Ability to self-motivate and work independently as well as collaboratively.
Commitment to professional development, learning, and being mentored.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States; Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment visa.
Successful completion of required background check(s).

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with planned-giving vehicles, tax laws regarding charitable giving, and donor-tracking software.
Proficiency in Microsoft Suite and virtual meeting technology such as Zoom.

Responsibilities

Communicate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through formal and informal communications.
Help develop OGP marketing initiatives to generate, evaluate, cultivate, and solicit leads, leveraging technology.
Coordinate OGP marketing efforts with internal partners and external vendors.
Assist with developing and producing communication tools, proposals, and reports.
Track leads, analyze results, evaluate marketing initiatives, and recommend enhancements to improve their impact.
Manage assessment and coordinate cultivation with OGP colleagues.
Evaluate and recommend additional methods for prospect engagement and stewardship.
Coordinate as needed with colleges, campuses, units, and central Development offices.
Coordinate OGP stewardship of Atherton Society members, including stewardship events with internal partners and thank-you calls to current members.
Solicit and close technically simple and straightforward bequests.
Research prospects and develop strategies to move them toward becoming donors through identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Match University strengths and programs with donor interests and capabilities.