Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications

Location: University Park

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

* CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

* CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

* If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State is currently seeking a strong leader and top frontline fundraiser in the role of Director of Development and Alumni Relations to engage alumni and friends as partners in supporting the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. 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.

Charged with guiding and overseeing all development and alumni relations activities for the college's high-potential constituencies, this position reports directly to an Assistant Vice President for University Development and receives direction from college leadership on fundraising objectives and priorities. The Director of Development and Alumni Relations also works with other partners across the University and central development offices. With significant experience not only in fundraising but also in management, and with an entrepreneurial and ambitious vision for the Bellisario College of Communications fundraising operation, the Director of Development and Alumni Relations will:

* Articulate Penn State's and the college's needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications, including written proposals;

* Identify a pool and a pipeline of prospects for immediate and long-term cultivation;

* Supervise, train, and mentor a team of fundraisers, alumni relations professionals, and support staff, with a sustained focus on fostering inclusive relationships that yield meaningful results;

* Develop annual goals, plans, and budgets for a comprehensive, strategy-driven fundraising program;

* Recruit and guide a volunteer committee 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.

The successful candidate will 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;

* Experience in managing and leading goal-oriented teams and in planning development strategies;

* Impeccable writing, presentation skills, and ability to use various technologies;

* A passion for higher education and an understanding of complex institutions;

* 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
8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and…