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.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Penn State is currently seeking a top frontline fundraiser in the role of Director of Major Gifts to engage alumni and friends as partners in supporting the College of the Liberal Arts, considered one of the leading public liberal arts colleges in the U.S. 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 Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations and working closely with the college’s leadership, as well as other partners and central development offices, this Director of Major Gifts will:

• Identify and cultivate a prospect pool of graduates and other key constituencies;
• Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values, including diversity, equity, and inclusion, through excellent informal and formal communications, including written proposals;
• 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.

This position requires a bachelor’s degree or higher plus three years of work-related experience. The successful candidate will also have:

• A track record of success in securing major gifts and meeting fundraising goals;
• A dedication to and understanding of the skills required to build relationships with diverse communities;
• Demonstrated knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education;
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills;
• A proven ability to self-motivate and work both independently and as part of a team;
• A passion for higher education and an understanding of complex institutions;
• A commitment to professional development, learning, and being mentored.

Operation of a motor vehicle as part of the position’s duties and a valid driver's license are required. Successful completion of a motor vehicle records check, in addition to standard background checks, is also required.

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.

The College of the Liberal Arts

Philanthropy will have a special impact in the College of the Liberal Arts, whose extraordinary success has been built upon support from alumni and friends. The College of the Liberal Arts is a nationa