Development Assistant, Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications

Penn State is currently seeking a Development Assistant in supporting Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. As a member of the Division of Development and Alumni Relations, 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 Director of Development and working closely with Alumni and Development Staff, as well as other partners, this Development Assistant will provides various support to Major Gift Officers, Directors of Development, and other development staff in support of the overall development and alumni related functions. This position engages in prospect and project management, collects and compiles data, provides administrative support, serves as the liaison between the unit and central DDAR, and assists in identifying and cultivating potential donors.

• Work collaboratively with the head of the assigned unit, development staff, committee volunteers, etc. to maximize fund raising efforts and success
• Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications
• Prepare, provide, and review various reports for Major Gift Officers and Directors of Development; support donor tracking and participation and ensure database record management
• Provide assistance in the development of prospect strategies
• Respond to requests for information as needed
• Support annual fund-raising goals and functions of the unit; assist with annual planning
• Provide administrative support for the travel of development staff; ensure staff have necessary pre-travel materials and post-travel follow-ups
• Coordinate outreach and special events
• Coordinate and manage annual giving campaign
• Create and prepare data and reports
• May develop and distribute development marketing and promotional materials such as newsletters
• Participate in the management of portfolios of major gift prospects; input updates and maintain donor records
• May perform other administrative tasks such as updating and maintaining schedules and calendars and overseeing the purchase of equipment and office supplies

The successful candidate will have:

• familiarity in working with alumni relations, development, fundraising, non-profit or related field
• experience supporting executive roles
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills;
• 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 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

General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS) 2+ 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 800,000 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 students and faculty while taking your own career to new heights.

Learn more about us .edu and explore the success of our most recent campaign at greaterpennstate.psu.edu.

Building a Career and a Life at Penn State

Across all campuses and an online World Campus, our 100,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’s the positive impact made on communities across the globe. Penn State consistently ranks among the top academic and research universities in the world: psu.edu/this-is-penn-state/facts-and-rankings

This position is based at the University Park campus, located in State College, Pennsylvania. State College is ranked among the lowest-stress and safest small cities in the country, with excellent public schools, beautiful parks and other natural assets, and a broad range of cultural and athletic events and venues: statecollegepa.us and