Associate Director of Foundation Relations

About the role

Penn State is currently seeking an Associate Director in the Office of Foundation Relations. This role serves as a key member of the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR), contributing to one of the most successful fundraising and alumni relations operations in the country.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary liaison to the College of Medicine and Penn State Health;
• Engage in annual and periodic strategic planning discussions with University representatives including deans, chancellors, department/institute heads, faculty, and development colleagues to identify and develop plans to identify, cultivate, and solicit major and principal gift foundation prospects;
• Aid faculty and staff in preparing and submitting proposals, ensuring alignment with foundation priorities and in collaboration with the Office of Sponsored Programs (UP) or Office of Research Affairs (CoM), with a goal of securing $1,000,000 or more in annual commitments;
• Proactively cultivate and solicit new and existing funders and maintain a strong prospect pool that aligns with University priorities;
• Interface and build fruitful relationships with foundation officers and between foundation officers and Penn State representatives;
• Prepare briefing materials and coordinate meetings (virtual or in-person) between foundation program staff and deans, chancellors, department heads, faculty, and/or development colleagues as part of ongoing cultivation and stewardship efforts;
• Determine annual foundation goal setting solicitation targets with college and/or campus partners;
• Develop and recommend strategies to guide collaborative interdisciplinary projects and proposal preparation with development and university-wide colleagues.

Requirements

• A track record of success in securing foundation support and meeting annual fundraising goals;
• Experience in medicine or academic medicine a plus;
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills;
• The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues;
• Demonstrated ability to build internal and external relationships and work collaboratively with a wide range of University and external representatives to effectively complete complex work assignments, review progress, and evaluate results;
• A passion for higher education and an understanding of complex institutions;
• 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree;
• 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted;
• No required certifications.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of University and external representatives;
• Ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues;
• Ability to self-motivate and work both independently and as part of a team;
• Passion for higher education and an understanding of complex institutions;
• Proven ability to secure foundation support and meet annual fundraising goals.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage;
• Robust retirement plans;
• Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation, and sick time;
• A generous 75% tuition discount for employees, eligible spouses, and children.

Pay

$72,300.00 - $108,444.00

Schedule

Full-time