APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
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 University is seeking an innovative and strategic Assistant Director of Digital and Social Giving to join the Office of Annual Giving. Reporting to the director of Annual Giving, this position will play a key role in advancing the university's digital fundraising strategies by leading initiatives that inspire broad-based donor participation. The Assistant Director will oversee signature digital fundraising events—including Penn State's GivingTuesday, THON fundraising partnerships, and Let's Grow State crowdfunding campaigns—while managing relationships with vendor partners that support online giving platforms and tools.
The ideal candidate will have experience in digital engagement, project management, and donor acquisition, with a passion for building communities of support through compelling online experiences. The Digital and Social Giving program is designed to raise funds from, and provide meaningful engagement opportunities for, alumni, friends, students, faculty and staff, and parents and families at The Pennsylvania State University.
Reporting to the Director of Annual Giving and working closely with Unit Fundraising partners, Development Communications, as well as other partners, this Assistant Director of Digital and Social Giving will:
- Giving Days/ Crowdfunding:
- Lead planning, execution, and evaluation of Penn State's GivingTuesday campaign, ensuring alignment with overall annual giving goals.
- Partner with internal units and campus/college partners to develop campaign themes, messaging, and strategies that drive participation and donor engagement.
- Manage Let's Grow States crowdfunding platform and campaign pipeline, advising faculty, staff, and student groups on best practices.
- Provide training, coaching, and resources to campaign owners to ensure successful fundraising outcomes.
- Track and assess campaign performance, Monitor results and provide post-event reporting and analysis.
- THON & Student Philanthropy:
- THON is Penn State's student-run philanthropy, the largest of its kind in the world, dedicated to raising funds and awareness in the fight against childhood cancer. This position will serve as the primary liaison for THON-related digital giving initiatives, ensuring smooth coordination of online platforms, donor communications, and reporting.
- Vendor and Platform Management:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for vendor partners that support Penn State's online giving activities, including but not limited to: Give Campus, Anthology, GiveSmart, ThankView,
- Oversee implementation, maintenance, and optimization of online giving tools to ensure a seamless donor experience.
- Collaborate with IT, communications, and other units to ensure platforms integrate effectively with broader advancement systems.
- Collaboration and Communication
- Provide regular updates and recommendations to leadership on digital philanthropy trends, opportunities, and outcomes.
- Work in close partnership with Development Communications team to support social media campaigns, student philanthropy, and young alumni initiatives.
The successful candidate will have:
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- 3 or more years of experience in fundraising, digital engagement, marketing, or related field.
- Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills;
- The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues;
- Demonstrated success in planning and executing large-scale digital campaigns, events, or initiatives.
- Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Experience working with fundraising platforms, CRM systems, or digital marketing tools; Give Campus experience preferred
- Collaborative and creative thinker with a data-driven approach to problem-solving.
- Knowledge of higher education or nonprofit advancement preferred.
- 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.
For full consideration, please include Resume and Cover Letter with your application.
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 CERTIFICATIONSBachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
acceptedRequired 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 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 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-rankingsThis 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
statecollege.com
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESEmployment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $61,800.00 - $89,600.00.
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our
Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review
here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.