Director/Senior Director of Major Gifts, College of the Liberal Arts
About The Position
Penn State is seeking a top frontline fundraiser in the role of Senior Director of Major Gifts to engage alumni and friends in supporting the College of the Liberal Arts. As a member of the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR), this role contributes to one of the most successful fundraising and alumni relations operations in the country. The position reports to the Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations and collaborates with college leadership and central development offices. The Senior Director of Major Gifts will identify and cultivate prospective donors, articulate Penn State's needs and values through effective communication, plan and execute major gift solicitation strategies, and travel extensively to build relationships and meet aggressive fundraising metrics.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree
- 6+ years of relevant experience (if filled as Major Gift Officer - Senior Professional)
- 3+ years of relevant experience (if filled as Major Gift Officer - Advanced Professional)
- 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
- Valid driver’s license
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Nice To Haves
- Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.
- Questions related to flexible work arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
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, 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
