Assistant Director of Endowment and Advancement Strategy

Penn State University•University Park, IL

22h

About The Position

Penn State is currently seeking an Assistant Director of Endowment and Advancement Strategy in supporting the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, a nationally ranked college with a growing portfolio of more than $183 million in endowments. As a member of the Division of Development and Alumni Relations, you can 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. Reporting to the Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations and working closely with the Dean, faculty leadership, central Development and Alumni Relations colleagues, and other University partners, this Assistant Director of Endowment and Advancement Strategy will:

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years of progressive experience in advancement, development operations, endowment management, or a related field (master’s degree preferred)
Demonstrated experience supervising and developing professional staff
Experience managing complex financial or endowment portfolios, with a strong understanding of donor intent compliance and financial stewardship
Knowledge of prospect research, data management systems, proposal development, and donor stewardship best practices
Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills
The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues
Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable recommendations
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
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

Nice To Haves

master’s degree preferred

Responsibilities

Provide strategic oversight and management of the college’s endowment portfolio (exceeding $183 million), ensuring funds are stewarded, allocated, and expended in alignment with donor intent and University guidelines while maximizing their impact
Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications
Supervise and mentor the Stewardship Coordinator and Development Assistant, setting clear expectations, supporting professional growth, and ensuring operational excellence across stewardship, prospect research, proposal development, data integrity, and gift officer support
Serve as a strategic partner to the Dean in shaping the long-term vision and utilization of endowment resources, providing analysis and recommendations to inform decision-making
Oversee comprehensive stewardship efforts, including leadership of the Obelisk Society recognition program and event celebrating donors with $50,000 or more in lifetime giving
Ensure the integrity and strategic use of prospect data, overseeing research, portfolio management support, proposal coordination, and travel follow-up for gift officers
Contribute as a key member of the college’s development leadership team, advising on strategy related to hiring, budget planning, resource allocation, and operational effectiveness
Identify opportunities to enhance systems, processes, and cross-functional collaboration to advance fundraising success and donor engagement

Benefits

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.

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