Director of Major Gifts, College of Health and Human Development

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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 .

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POSITION SPECIFICS ​

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 Health and Human Development (HHD) , a collaborative community of faculty, staff, students and alumni committed to innovative education, interdisciplinary research, and effective outreach that improves health and well-being for all communities and all people, from conception through the end of life. 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.

The University is committed to ensuring that diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are central to the success of a world-class research institution. We are dedicated to fostering an institutional culture supporting the University’s core values, with inclusion being a fundamental strength and an essential element of our public service mission: equity.psu.edu/equity-at-penn-state/resources . The University’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is mirrored in the Division of Development and Alumni Relations’ own ongoing work in these spaces: raise.psu.edu/diversity-equity-and-inclusion .

Reporting to the 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.

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.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree
3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None

College of Health and Human Development

Philanthropy has significant impact in the college, which is committed to continuing its long tradition of leadership in improving well-being across the human lifespan and strengthening families and communities. Its more than 70,000 alumni include physicians, nutritionists, and other medical professionals; healthcare and hospitality industry executives; government officials and policy makers; researchers and educators; public and social leaders; and others who are shaping our shared quality of life. Today, the college’s eight academic departments offer some of Penn State’s most popular programs and majors, enrolling more than 4,500 students. Through departmentally-based research, the work of five college-based research centers, and collaborations with multiple other colleges and University Research Institutes, Health and Human Development faculty and research staff are creating the knowledge that will impact human lives through prevention science, healthy aging, communication science, health policy, human nutrition, environmental science, child and family health and well-being, behavioral intervention, physical activity, and organizational behavior and operations management. The college’s annual research and program implementation extramural funding portfolio exceeds $75 million, an amount second only to the College of Engineering on the University Park campus.

The College of Health and Human Development embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values with a goal to empower a broadly diverse generation to become leaders and scholars who promote human health, development and quality of life throughout the lifespan. With our focus on the improvement of the quality of individuals' lives within their families and communities, the College naturally places the understanding of diversity in a central position in both its mission and vision: hhd.psu.edu

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 students and faculty while taking your own career to new heights. Learn more about us at raise.psu.edu and explore the success of our most recent campaign at greaterpennstate.psu.edu .

Building a Career and a Life at Penn State

Across twenty-four 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

Penn State is a diverse and exciting institution that embraces individual uniqueness, fosters a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engages all individuals to help them thrive: equity.psu.edu

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 state