Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations, College of Agriculture

The Pennsylvania State University • University Park, FL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Penn State is seeking an exceptional leader and top frontline fundraiser for the role of Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations to engage alumni and friends in supporting the College of Agricultural Sciences. This role is crucial for one of the world's foremost contributors to research and education in agriculturally-related sustainability, health, social sciences, and environmental protection. As a member of the College of Agricultural Sciences and the Division of Development and Alumni Relations, this position plays an integral role in Penn State’s future and contributes to a highly successful fundraising and alumni relations operation. The Senior Director will guide and oversee all development and alumni relations activities for some of Penn State’s largest and highest-potential constituencies. This position reports directly to an Assistant Vice President, Colleges, Campuses, and Units, and receives direction from the college’s leadership on fundraising objectives and priorities. The successful candidate will possess significant experience in fundraising and management, with an entrepreneurial and ambitious vision for the College of Agricultural Sciences fundraising operation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• 10+ 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 utilize 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 and cultivate a pipeline of prospects for immediate and long-term cultivation.
• Supervise, train, and mentor a team of fundraising, alumni relations, stewardship, and administrative professionals, with a sustained focus on fostering inclusive relationships that yield meaningful results.
• Develop annual goals, plans, and budgets for a comprehensive, strategy-driven fundraising and engagement program.
• Recruit and guide volunteers 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
• 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior