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Pennsylvania State University

Associate/Director of Major Gifts, Penn State Health and the College of Medicine

🇺🇸 Hybrid - Hershey, PA

🕑 Full-Time

💰 $68K - $115K

💻 Development & Advancement

🗓️ January 6th, 2026

Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring an Associate/Director of Major Gifts for Penn State Health and the College of Medicine. This role involves actively identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gifts from alumni and key constituencies to support patient care, research, education, and community outreach initiatives, while collaborating closely with leadership and development teams.

Highlights
  • Identify and cultivate a prospect pool of graduates and other key constituencies.
  • Articulate university needs and values through formal and informal communications, including grant proposals.
  • Plan and execute solicitation strategies for securing major gifts.
  • Travel extensively regionally and nationally to build and maintain donor relationships.
  • Requires exemplary interpersonal and communication skills targeting high-net-worth audiences.
  • Must be self-motivated, able to work independently and collaboratively.
  • Education: Bachelor's degree with 1+ years relevant experience for intermediate level or 3+ years for advanced level.
  • No required certifications.
  • Salary range: $68,200 to $115,100.
  • Competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible dependents.

Associate/Director of Major Gifts, Penn State Health and the College of Medicine Full Description

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 is currently seeking a top frontline fundraiser in the role of Major Gifts Officer to engage alumni and friends as partners in supporting Penn State Health and the College of Medicine, a multi-hospital health system and academic medical center serving patients and communities across 29 counties of Pennsylvania. Our mission is to improve health through patient care, research, education and community outreach. 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 Major Gifts at Penn State Health and College of Medicine and working closely with the campus' leadership, as well as other partners and central development offices, this Major Gifts Officer will:
  • Identify and cultivate a prospect pool of graduates and other key constituencies;
  • Articulate Penn State's needs, ambitions, and values 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;
  • Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills required to build relationships with sophisticated and high-net worth audiences;
  • 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 passion for higher education and an understanding of complex institutions;
  • 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 CERTIFICATIONSIf filled as Medical Fundraiser - Advanced Professional, this position 
requires:Bachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Medical Fundraiser - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree1+ 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 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 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 Penn State Health and the College of Medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania. With proximity to New York, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and other major metropolitan centers, and with strong ties to Penn State's University Park campus, located less than two hours away, Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine connects central Pennsylvania with world-class medical care, research, and education. Known to residents and visitors as "the Sweetest Place on Earth," the city of Hershey is still home to the chocolate company created by Milton S. Hershey, and thousands of families each year enjoy the fun of Hershey Park, with its more than seventy rides and attractions. Hershey also welcomes avid golfers to four world-class courses, and the area offers a range of outdoor activities, including fishing and biking. Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is just thirteen miles from the center of Pennsylvania's state government in Harrisburg, ranked as one of the top cities in the country to raise a family. To discover why residents love our region, please visit:  http://visithersheyharrisburg.org
 
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESEmployment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records 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 $68,200.00 - $115,100.00.
 
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.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.