Pennsylvania State University
Development Assistant, Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications
🇺🇸 University Park, PA
🕑 Full-Time
💰 $38K - $56K
💻 Development & Advancement
🗓️ December 24th, 2025
Edtech.com's Summary
The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Development Assistant for the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. The role involves supporting Major Gift Officers, Directors of Development, and other development staff by managing prospects and projects, compiling data, providing administrative assistance, coordinating events and campaigns, and maintaining donor records to enhance fundraising and alumni relations efforts.
Highlights
- Support Major Gift Officers, Directors of Development, and development staff in fundraising and alumni relations functions.
- Manage prospect and project information, prepare and review reports, and maintain donor database records.
- Assist with development of prospect strategies and respond to information requests.
- Provide administrative support including travel arrangements and post-travel follow-ups for development staff.
- Coordinate outreach, special events, and annual giving campaigns.
- Create and distribute marketing and promotional materials like newsletters.
- Maintain schedules, calendars, and office supplies procurement as needed.
- Require familiarity with alumni relations, development, fundraising, non-profit fields, and executive role support experience.
- Must have a GED or High School diploma with 2+ years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience; no certification required.
- Salary range is $38,300 to $55,500 with a competitive benefits package including health coverage and a 75% tuition discount.
Development Assistant, Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications 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 a Development Assistant in supporting Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. 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 Director of Development and working closely with Alumni and Development Staff, as well as other partners, this Development Assistant will provides various support to Major Gift Officers, Directors of Development, and other development staff in support of the overall development and alumni related functions. This position engages in prospect and project management, collects and compiles data, provides administrative support, serves as the liaison between the unit and central DDAR, and assists in identifying and cultivating potential donors.
- Work collaboratively with the head of the assigned unit, development staff, committee volunteers, etc. to maximize fund raising efforts and success
- Articulate Penn State's needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications
- Prepare, provide, and review various reports for Major Gift Officers and Directors of Development; support donor tracking and participation and ensure database record management
- Provide assistance in the development of prospect strategies
- Respond to requests for information as needed
- Support annual fund-raising goals and functions of the unit; assist with annual planning
- Provide administrative support for the travel of development staff; ensure staff have necessary pre-travel materials and post-travel follow-ups
- Coordinate outreach and special events
- Coordinate and manage annual giving campaign
- Create and prepare data and reports
- May develop and distribute development marketing and promotional materials such as newsletters
- Participate in the management of portfolios of major gift prospects; input updates and maintain donor records
- May perform other administrative tasks such as updating and maintaining schedules and calendars and overseeing the purchase of equipment and office supplies
The successful candidate will have:
- familiarity in working with alumni relations, development, fundraising, non-profit or related field
- experience supporting executive roles
- Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills;
- 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 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 CERTIFICATIONSGeneral Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS)2+ 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
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 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 $38,300.00 - $55,500.00.
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.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.
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