Director of Major Gifts, College of Health and Human Development

About the Role

Penn State is seeking a top frontline fundraiser to engage alumni and friends as partners in supporting the College of Health and Human Development (HHD), a collaborative community committed to innovative education, interdisciplinary research, and effective outreach that improves health and well-being for all communities and all people, from conception through the end of life.

As a member of the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR), you will 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. The University is committed to ensuring that diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are central to the success of a world-class research institution.

Responsibilities

• Identify and cultivate a prospect pool of graduates and other key constituencies.
• Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values, including diversity, equity, and inclusion, through excellent informal and formal communications, including written proposals.
• Plan and execute solicitation strategies leading to major gifts.
• Travel extensively throughout the region and across the country to pursue these strategies and build enduring relationships, tracked to a fixed and appropriately aggressive set of fundraising metrics.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree and 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Track record of success in securing major gifts and meeting fundraising goals.
• Dedication to and understanding of the skills required to build relationships with diverse communities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proven ability to self-motivate and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Passion for higher education and an understanding of complex institutions.
• Commitment to professional development, learning, and being mentored.
• Operation of a motor vehicle as part of the position’s duties and a valid driver's license are required. Successful completion of a motor vehicle records check, in addition to standard background checks, is also required.

About the College of Health and Human Development

Philanthropy has significant impact in the college, which is committed to continuing its long tradition of leadership in improving well-being across the human lifespan and strengthening families and communities. Its more than 70,000 alumni include physicians, nutritionists, and other medical professionals; healthcare and hospitality industry executives; government officials and policy makers; researchers and educators; public and social leaders; and others who are shaping our shared quality of life.

Today, the college’s eight academic departments offer some of Penn State’s most popular programs and majors, enrolling more than 4,500 students. Through departmentally-based research, the work of five college-based research centers, and collaborations with multiple other colleges and University Research Institutes, Health and Human Development faculty and research staff are creating knowledge that impacts human lives through prevention science, healthy aging, communication science, health policy, human nutrition, environmental science, child and family health and well-being, behavioral intervention, physical activity, and organizational behavior and operations management. The college’s annual research and program implementation extramural funding portfolio exceeds $75 million.

The College of Health and Human Development embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values with a goal to empower a broadly diverse generation to become leaders and scholars who promote human health, development, and quality of life throughout the lifespan.

About the Division of Development and Alumni Relations

Penn State’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR) includes more than 500 professionals engaging a community of over 700,000 alumni who believe in the power of giving back. Across 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.

Location

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 a broad range of cultural and athletic events and venues.