Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring an Assistant Director of Endowment and Advancement Strategy to support the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences by managing an endowment portfolio exceeding $183 million. The role involves providing strategic oversight of fund stewardship, supervising staff, collaborating with university leaders, and advancing fundraising and donor engagement strategies.

Highlights

Manage and provide strategic oversight of a $183 million endowment portfolio, ensuring alignment with donor intent and university policies.
Supervise and mentor the Stewardship Coordinator and Development Assistant to ensure operational excellence.
Collaborate with the Dean and development leadership team to shape long-term endowment utilization and development strategies.
Lead comprehensive stewardship programs, including the Obelisk Society recognizing donors with $50,000 or more in lifetime giving.
Ensure integrity and strategic use of prospect data, proposal development, and gift officer support.
Required bachelor's degree and minimum of three years of related experience; master’s degree preferred.
Experience in advancement, development operations, endowment management, or related field with demonstrated supervisory skills.
Strong knowledge of financial stewardship, donor compliance, prospect research, and data management systems.
Salary range from $56,200 to $81,500 with a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount.
Position requires successful completion of background and credit history checks; authorized U.S. work status is mandatory.

Assistant Director of Endowment and Advancement Strategy Full Description

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 an Assistant Director of Endowment and Advancement Strategy in supporting the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, a nationally ranked college with a growing portfolio of more than $183 million in endowments. 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 Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations and working closely with the Dean, faculty leadership, central Development and Alumni Relations colleagues, and other University partners, this Assistant Director of Endowment and Advancement Strategy will:

Provide strategic oversight and management of the college's endowment portfolio (exceeding $183 million), ensuring funds are stewarded, allocated, and expended in alignment with donor intent and University guidelines while maximizing their impact;
Articulate Penn State's needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications;
Supervise and mentor the Stewardship Coordinator and Development Assistant, setting clear expectations, supporting professional growth, and ensuring operational excellence across stewardship, prospect research, proposal development, data integrity, and gift officer support;
Serve as a strategic partner to the Dean in shaping the long-term vision and utilization of endowment resources, providing analysis and recommendations to inform decision-making;
Oversee comprehensive stewardship efforts, including leadership of the Obelisk Society recognition program and event celebrating donors with $50,000 or more in lifetime giving;
Ensure the integrity and strategic use of prospect data, overseeing research, portfolio management support, proposal coordination, and travel follow-up for gift officers;
Contribute as a key member of the college's development leadership team, advising on strategy related to hiring, budget planning, resource allocation, and operational effectiveness;
Identify opportunities to enhance systems, processes, and cross-functional collaboration to advance fundraising success and donor engagement.

The successful candidate will have:

A bachelor's degree and a minimum of three years of progressive experience in advancement, development operations, endowment management, or a related field (master's degree preferred);
Demonstrated experience supervising and developing professional staff;
Experience managing complex financial or endowment portfolios, with a strong understanding of donor intent compliance and financial stewardship;
Knowledge of prospect research, data management systems, proposal development, and donor stewardship best practices;
Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills;
The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues;
Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable recommendations;
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment;
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 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-rankings

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESEmployment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Due to the financial and fiduciary responsibilities of this position, successful completion of a credit history check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

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 $56,200.00 - $81,500.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

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.Penn State 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.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

Hotlines

Original Job Description

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

Provide strategic oversight and management of the college's endowment portfolio (exceeding $183 million), ensuring funds are stewarded, allocated, and expended in alignment with donor intent and University guidelines while maximizing their impact;
Articulate Penn State's needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications;
Supervise and mentor the Stewardship Coordinator and Development Assistant, setting clear expectations, supporting professional growth, and ensuring operational excellence across stewardship, prospect research, proposal development, data integrity, and gift officer support;
Serve as a strategic partner to the Dean in shaping the long-term vision and utilization of endowment resources, providing analysis and recommendations to inform decision-making;
Oversee comprehensive stewardship efforts, including leadership of the Obelisk Society recognition program and event celebrating donors with $50,000 or more in lifetime giving;
Ensure the integrity and strategic use of prospect data, overseeing research, portfolio management support, proposal coordination, and travel follow-up for gift officers;
Contribute as a key member of the college's development leadership team, advising on strategy related to hiring, budget planning, resource allocation, and operational effectiveness;
Identify opportunities to enhance systems, processes, and cross-functional collaboration to advance fundraising success and donor engagement.

The successful candidate will have:

A bachelor's degree and a minimum of three years of progressive experience in advancement, development operations, endowment management, or a related field (master's degree preferred);
Demonstrated experience supervising and developing professional staff;
Experience managing complex financial or endowment portfolios, with a strong understanding of donor intent compliance and financial stewardship;
Knowledge of prospect research, data management systems, proposal development, and donor stewardship best practices;
Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills;
The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues;
Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable recommendations;
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment;
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.

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

Building a Career and a Life at Penn State

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 $56,200.00 - $81,500.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

EEO IS THE LAW

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

Hotlines

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Assistant Director of Endowment and Advancement Strategy

Edtech.com's Summary

Assistant Director of Endowment and Advancement Strategy Full Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Development Officer - University Advancement

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