Director of Major Gifts, Smeal College of Business

Penn State University • University Park, IL

1d • $81,312 - $122,016 • Hybrid

About The Position

Penn State is seeking a top frontline fundraiser in the role of Director of Major Gifts to engage alumni and friends in supporting The Smeal College of Business. The Smeal College of Business is a globally recognized business school offering highly ranked undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and executive education. As a member of the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR), this role plays an integral part in Penn State’s future and contributes to a successful fundraising and alumni relations operation. The Director of Major Gifts will identify and cultivate prospects, articulate Penn State's needs and values through communications, plan and execute solicitation strategies for major gifts, and travel extensively to build relationships and meet fundraising metrics.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• 3+ years of relevant 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
• A proven ability to self-motivate and work both independently and as part of a team
• 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 their 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

• Identify and cultivate a prospect pool of graduates and other key constituencies
• Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications, including written proposals
• 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

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• 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: Senior