Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications

Penn State University • University Park, IL

22h • Onsite

About The Position

Penn State is seeking a strong leader and top frontline fundraiser to engage alumni and friends in supporting the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. As a member of the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR), this role is integral to Penn State’s fundraising and alumni relations operations. The position is responsible for guiding and overseeing all development and alumni relations activities for the college’s high-potential constituencies. This role reports directly to an Assistant Vice President for University Development and receives direction from college leadership on fundraising objectives and priorities. The Director also collaborates with other partners across the University and central development offices. The ideal candidate will possess significant experience in fundraising and management, with an entrepreneurial and ambitious vision for the college's fundraising operation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• 8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• A track record of success in securing major gifts and meeting fundraising goals
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills required to build relationships with sophisticated and high-net worth audiences
• The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues
• Experience in managing and leading goal-oriented teams and in planning development strategies
• Impeccable writing, presentation skills, and ability to use various technologies
• A passion for higher education and an understanding of complex institutions
• A commitment to professional development, learning, and being mentored
• Must operate a motor vehicle as part of 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.

Responsibilities

• Articulate Penn State’s and the college’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications, including written proposals.
• Identify a pool and a pipeline of prospects for immediate and long-term cultivation.
• Supervise, train, and mentor a team of fundraisers, alumni relations professionals, and support staff, with a sustained focus on fostering inclusive relationships that yield meaningful results.
• Develop annual goals, plans, and budgets for a comprehensive, strategy-driven fundraising program.
• Recruit and guide a volunteer committee charged with meaningful roles and responsibilities in the fundraising process.
• Manage a portfolio of top prospects and plan and execute solicitation strategies leading to major gifts.
• Travel extensively throughout the region and across the country to pursue these strategies and build enduring relationships, tracked to a fixed and appropriately aggressive set of fundraising metrics.
• Serve as an ambassador for the college and its priorities and values.

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