Director/Senior Director of Major Gifts, College of the Liberal Arts

The Pennsylvania State University•University Park, FL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Penn State is currently seeking a top frontline fundraiser in the role of Senior Director of Major Gifts to engage alumni and friends as partners in supporting the College of the Liberal Arts, considered one of the leading public liberal arts colleges in the U.S. 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 Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations and working closely with the college’s leadership, as well as other partners and central development offices, this Senior Director of Major Gifts will 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; and 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. The successful candidate will also have 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; and a commitment to professional development, learning, and being mentored. DDAR is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree
6+ years of relevant experience (if filled as Major Gift Officer - Senior Professional); or 3+ years of relevant experience (if filled as Major Gift Officer - Advanced Professional)
Equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
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
Ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues
Proven ability to self-motivate and work both independently and as part of a team
Passion for higher education and an understanding of complex institutions
Commitment to professional development, learning, and being mentored
Must operate a motor vehicle as part of job duties
Valid driver’s license
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