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Pennsylvania State University

Development Assistant, Parent Philanthropy

🇺🇸 Hybrid - University Park, PA 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $38K - $56K 💻 Development & Advancement 🗓️ February 16th, 2026

Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Development Assistant, Parent Philanthropy. The role supports fundraising, engagement, and stewardship efforts focused on parents and families of current Penn State students by providing high-level administrative, project, and prospect management support within the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR). The assistant coordinates with leadership and fundraisers to manage donor records, produce development materials, support event planning, and help achieve annual fundraising goals related to parent giving.

Highlights
  • Provide administrative and project support including calendar coordination, meeting preparation, and follow-up.
  • Produce development materials such as solicitation proposals, appeals, presentations, and stewardship communications.
  • Conduct prospect and donor research and maintain accurate records in fundraising databases.
  • Prepare and distribute reports on donor engagement, giving activity, and fundraising progress.
  • Support prospect management by assisting strategy development and portfolio monitoring.
  • Serve as liaison between Parent Philanthropy and other DDAR units to coordinate cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.
  • Assist with planning and execution of parent-focused outreach, events, and volunteer activities.
  • Monitor and reconcile expenses, manage budget tracking and reporting.
  • Provide logistical support for development staff travel including pre- and post-travel tasks.
  • Require 2+ years of relevant experience or equivalent education; proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 and willingness to develop skills in fundraising databases.
  • Salary range is $38,300.00 - $55,500.00 with competitive benefits including a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.

Development Assistant, Parent Philanthropy 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​
Position Summary 
Penn State is currently seeking a Development Assistant for Parent Philanthropy to support fundraising, engagement, and stewardship efforts focused on parents and families of current Penn State students. As a member of the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR), this role plays an integral part in advancing Penn State's philanthropic priorities by providing high-level administrative, project, and prospect management support to parent-focused development initiatives across the Penn State ecosystem. 
Reporting to the Director of Parent Philanthropy and working closely with development officers, alumni relations colleagues, and central DDAR partners, the Development Assistant will contribute to one of the most successful fundraising and alumni relations operations in the country.  
 
Key Responsibilities 
The Development Assistant for Parent Philanthropy will: 
  • Provide comprehensive administrative and project support to parent philanthropy leadership and frontline fundraisers, including calendar coordination, meeting preparation, and follow-up 
  • Assist in producing development materials such as meeting agendas, solicitation proposals, annual giving appeals, briefing documents, presentations, and stewardship communications tailored to parent and family donors 
  • Conduct prospect and donor research; collect, compile, and maintain data related to parent fundraising initiatives 
  • Enter, update, and maintain accurate donor and prospect records and coding in fundraising databases; input goals and solicitations while ensuring adherence to applicable guidelines 
  • Prepare, review, and distribute reports related to donor engagement, giving activity, participation, and fundraising progress 
  • Support prospect management by assisting with strategy development, tracking moves, and monitoring portfolios  
  • Serve as a liaison between Parent Philanthropy and other DDAR units in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship processes; supports personalized donor appreciation  
  • Assist with planning, coordination, execution, and follow-up for parent-focused outreach, events, volunteer activities, and special initiatives 
  • Monitor and reconcile expenses; manage budget tracking and reporting  
  • Provide logistical support for development staff travel, including pre-travel preparation and post-travel follow-up 
  • Support annual fundraising goals and planning efforts related to parent giving 
  • Perform other administrative and development-related duties as assigned 
 
The successful candidate will demonstrate: 
  • 2+ years of relevant administrative, teaching, tech, fundraising, sales, nonprofit or related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience 
  • Experience supporting director-level staff and/or working in a complex, deadline-driven environment is preferred 
  • Exemplary interpersonal, organizational, and verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to represent Penn State professionally to internal and external stakeholders, including high net-worth individuals 
  • Exceptional attention to detail, follow-through, and organizational consistency 
  • Ability to handle highly confidential information with discretion and sound judgment 
  • Proven ability to self-motivate, manage multiple priorities, and work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment 
  • Commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment for all students, families, and colleagues 
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and related tools 
  • Commitment to professional development; willingness to learn and maintain proficiency in fundraising databases and reporting tools 
 
Work Environment & Flexibility 
DDAR supports flexible work arrangements when aligned with the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions regarding flexible work options may be discussed 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/CLEARANCES
Employment 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 & BENEFITS
The 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.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.
 

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