Director of Development, Penn College Foundation

About the role

The Director of Development serves as a key member of the College Relations leadership team and is responsible for advancing the philanthropic priorities of Pennsylvania College of Technology through strategic fundraising, donor engagement, and Foundation leadership. Reporting to the Vice President for College Relations, this position manages a portfolio of major‑gift prospects and donors, develops fundraising strategies that support institutional priorities, and fosters meaningful relationships with alumni, corporate partners, foundations, and friends of the College. The Director also supports the effective administration of the Penn College Foundation through board engagement, stewardship activities, operational oversight, and strategic planning.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Vice President in formulating long‑range fundraising and financial plans to support institutional initiatives.
• Develop and implement fundraising strategies that support institutional priorities and strategic initiatives.
• Maintain and actively manage a portfolio of major‑gift prospects—including alumni, friends of the College, corporate partners, foundations, and community leaders—to secure financial support.
• Cultivate relationships and solicit contributions and funds.
• Ensure appropriate stewardship of gifts, including periodic donor reports.
• Keep Foundation by‑laws technically current; recommend modifications of by‑laws, policies, and practices as appropriate.
• Act as the agent of the College in accepting gifts in accordance with College policies, procedures, and directives.
• Partner with Foundation Board leadership and committees to advance fundraising priorities, stewardship efforts, governance activities, and strategic initiatives.
• Develop, lead, and evaluate the Foundation’s initiatives.
• Develop and/or assist in a Planned Giving Program for lifetime and testamentary gifts through trusts, bequests, annuities, and other forms of deferred giving.
• Write, develop, and recommend policies, procedures, and practices appropriate to institutional fundraising.
• Maintain current knowledge of investment regulations, tax law, and IRS requirements; implement them for donors and the College.
• Complete annual assessment reports and assist in accreditation reporting.
• Serve as liaison to Program Advisory Committees, Foundation Committees, and other groups whose activities interface with private giving programs.
• Represent College Relations when the Vice President is unavailable.
• Compile information for the Vice President related to private giving programs and develop periodic status reports, an annual report, or other appropriate reports.
• Supervise preparation and distribution of agendas, handouts, and minutes for Foundation Board of Directors meetings; oversee mailing of meeting notices and other communications.
• Participate in seminars, conferences, workshops, and professional development activities to enhance professional abilities.
• Evaluate policies, procedures, communications, database management, and reporting systems; recommend improvements to increase effectiveness.
• Supervise appropriate staff and provide oversight on all gift entry and recording.
• Develop an annual plan and budget for the Foundation and other activities; recommend periodic modifications to the Vice President as appropriate.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communication, Public Administration, or a related discipline (required).
• Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communication, Public Administration, or a related discipline (required).
• Valid state driver’s license (required).
• Three (3) to five (5) years of successful fundraising experience (required).
• Experience tracking, monitoring, and maintaining a financial portfolio (required).
• Experience with constituent databases such as Raiser's Edge (required).
• Expertise in preparing publications (preferred).

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with individuals at various levels of responsibility.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to follow through on complex, planned activities.
• Well‑organized, self‑initiated, and capable of making sound decisions.
• Ability to work with limited supervision.
• Thorough understanding of investment portfolio development and management.
• Strong supervisory and leadership capabilities.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off
• Educational benefits for employees and dependents at Penn College and Penn State University
• Additional benefits as offered by the institution

Pay

Yearly salary range: $85,000 – $95,000.