Stewardship Officer, University Programs

Penn State University • University Park, IL

3d • $51,000 - $74,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Penn State is currently seeking a Stewardship Officer to support University Programs. As a member of the Division of Development and Alumni Relations, this role offers an opportunity to 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 Associate Director of Stewardship and working closely with University Programs and other partners, this Stewardship Officer will facilitate the development and implementation of all aspects of the stewardship program. This includes articulating Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications, and engaging in marketing and communications efforts related to the stewardship program, which may include writing for print and online publications. The role also involves participating in strategic and long-range planning for new initiatives and programs designed to enhance stewardship activities of assigned colleges or campuses, and providing professional guidance and leadership to volunteers and other staff to develop and execute strategies and programs. Collaboration with partners is key to maximizing stewardship success for the University. The officer will work to engage University partners and the community in stewardship activities, communicate stewardship objectives and responsibilities to unit directors and other leaders, and plan and coordinate nomination and selection processes for various alumni association and/or scholarship awards. Additionally, the role involves initiating, planning, and managing college programs and special events, both on and off campus, and coordinating endowment management efforts. The Stewardship Officer will serve as the stewardship liaison between individual units and participate in the strategic planning process for eSteward, stewardship, and endowment-related inquiries.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience supporting or managing stewardship programs, including donor recognition, impact reporting, and engagement initiatives
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills
• The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues
• Experience developing and executing marketing or communications strategies to support engagement and stewardship efforts
• Knowledge of CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, e-Steward, or similar) and ability to use data to inform strategy and reporting
• A proven ability to self-motivate and work both independently and as part of a team
• A commitment to professional development, learning, and being mentored
• Bachelor's Degree
• 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Responsibilities

• Facilitate the development and implementation of all aspects of the stewardship program
• Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications
• Engage in marketing and communications efforts related to stewardship program; may include writing for print and on-line publications
• Participate in the strategic and long-range planning for new initiatives and programs designed to enhance stewardship activities of assigned college or campus
• Provide professional guidance and leadership to volunteers and other staff in order to develop and execute strategies and programs
• Work collaboratively with partners to maximize stewardship success for the University
• Work to engage University partners and community in stewardship activities
• Communicate stewardship objectives and the associated responsibilities to unit director and other internal and external leaders
• Plan and coordinate the nomination and selection process for various alumni association and/or scholarship awards
• Initiate, plan, and manage college programs and special events both on and off campus for the assigned college or campus
• Coordinate endowment management efforts, serve as the stewardship liaison between the individual units and participate in the strategic planning process for eSteward, stewardship, and endowment related inquiries

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: Mid Level