Associate Director of Foundation Relations

Associate Director in the Office of Foundation Relations

Penn State is currently seeking an Associate Director in the Office of Foundation Relations. 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 Executive Director of Foundation Relations based at University Park and working closely and collaboratively with the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations for the College of Medicine and Penn State Health, as well as other development colleagues, academic partners, and research administration staff, this Associate Director will:

• Serve as primary liaison to the College of Medicine and Penn State Health;
• Engage in annual and periodic strategic planning discussions with University representatives including deans, chancellors, department/institute heads, faculty, and development colleagues to identify and develop plans to identify, cultivate, and solicit major and principal gift foundation prospects;
• Assist faculty and staff in preparing and submitting, ensuring alignment with foundation priorities and in collaboration with the Office of Sponsored Programs (UP) or Office of Research Affairs (CoM), with a goal of securing $1,000,000 or more in annual commitments;
• Proactively cultivate and solicit new and existing funders and maintain a strong prospect pool that aligns with University priorities;
• Interface and build fruitful relationships with foundation officers and between foundation officers and Penn State representatives;
• Prepare briefing materials and coordinate meetings (virtual or in-person) between foundation program staff and deans, chancellors, department heads, faculty, and/or development colleagues as part of ongoing cultivation and stewardship efforts;
• Determine annual foundation goal setting solicitation targets with college and/or campus partners;
• Develop and recommend strategies to guide collaborative interdisciplinary projects and proposal preparation with development and university-wide colleagues.

The successful candidate will have:

• A track record of success in securing foundation support and meeting annual fundraising goals; experience in medicine or academic medicine a plus.
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills;
• The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues;
• Demonstrated ability to build internal and external relationships and work collaboratively with a wide range of University and external representatives to effectively complete complex work assignments, review progress, and evaluate results;
• A passion for higher education and an understanding of complex institutions;
• 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.

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.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

Bachelor's Degree; 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required

Certifications:

None

Penn State's Division of Development and Alumni Relations

If you believe in the power of higher education—and philanthropy—to shape the public good, you'll excel right here in Penn State's Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR). Our organization includes more than 500 professionals engaging a community of more than 700,000 alumni who believe in the power of giving back. Across our interdisciplinary teams of fundraisers, alumni relations professionals, communicators, event planners, financial experts, and more, there is a place for you to make a difference in the lives of citizens of the commonwealth, students, physicians, and faculty while propelling your career to new heights.

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