Associate Vice President, Principal and Presidential Advancement

About the role

Penn State has partnered with ZRG Aspen Leadership Group to find an Associate Vice President, Principal and Presidential Advancement. The successful candidate will lead and grow strategic fundraising efforts for individual giving at five million dollars and above, as well as for Campaign and University Initiatives and Foundation Relations programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement annual operating plans for each area of their management portfolio, reflecting specific goals, objectives and action plans.
• Develop and execute a strategic plan for each area of responsibility to achieve relevant divisional and university goals and strategic objectives.
• Assist the VP by serving as the University's expert on best practices for campaign design and oversight, comparative analysis, goal setting, volunteer management and campaign reporting.
• Serve as counsel on complex gift strategies, work in collaboration with the university-wide constituency-based programs, and serve as one of the chief gift strategists working with senior academic and development leadership to assure best practices are being implemented across every college, campus, and unit.
• Manage a portfolio of top prospects and plan and execute solicitation strategies leading to principal-level transformational gifts.
• Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications.
• Coach and mentor fundraising professionals of varying experience levels.
• Set standards for annual achievements, assure a common set of expectations university-wide, and mentor staff.
• Work closely with DDAR’s Vice President and the President of Penn State, often staffing the President in transformational gift conversations.
• Help to develop the President’s calendar of travel and events.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred) or higher and 10 years or more of combined major gifts and related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Track record of success in closing principal and major gifts at an institution of higher education.
• The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues.
• Quantifiable experience partnering with academic leadership to develop and successfully execute on a comprehensive, data-driven fundraising strategy.
• Demonstrable knowledge of the principles, ethics and practices of successful fundraising including campaign leadership and/or management experience.
• Ability to develop robust metrics programs that incentivize collaboration and performance in partnership with other fundraising leaders.
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills with a particular sensitivity to sophisticated, high-net worth audiences.
• 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

• Knowledge of the Penn State community and awareness of our land grant mission.
• Operation of a motor vehicle as part of the position’s duties and a valid driver's license are required.

Skills

• Excellent informal and formal communications skills.
• Ability to plan and execute travel for donor visits that may include overnight trips.
• Coaching skills that are consistent with bringing out the best in staff and instilling pride and ownership in a team effort.
• Impeccable writing, presentation skills, and ability to use various technologies including software and digital tools used to communicate and engage with external constituencies.

Benefits

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.

Pay

Details on pay are provided in the position prospectus or application materials.

Schedule

Details on schedule are provided in the position prospectus or application materials.

Application Instructions

To apply, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants. Current Penn State employees (faculty, staff, technical service, or student) should log in to Workday to complete the internal application process. Current Penn State students (not employed previously at the university) should also log in to Workday to complete the student application process.

Contact Information

If you have questions related to flexible work arrangements, please direct them to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Additional Information

Penn State’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations 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. Learn more about us at raise.psu.edu and explore the success of our most recent campaign at greaterpennstate.psu.edu.

Background Checks/Clearances

Successful completion of a credit history check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.