- CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
- CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
- If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
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.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Penn State is currently seeking a frontline fundraiser in the role of Assistant/Associate Director of Development to engage alumni and friends as partners in supporting Penn State Dickinson Law, one of the nation’s oldest law schools and a modern leader in antiracist legal education that produces profession-ready lawyers with a commitment to service and the skills to excel in an increasingly global market. As a member of the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR), 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 Director of Development and Alumni Relations and working closely with the campus’ leadership, as well as other partners and central development offices, this Assistant/Associate Director of Development will:
- Identify and cultivate a prospect pool of graduates and other key constituencies;
- Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values 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.
The successful candidate will have:
- A track record of success in securing major gifts and meeting fundraising goals;
- Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills required to build relationships with sophisticated and high-net worth audiences;
- The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues;
- 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.
DDAR 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. Questions related to flexible work arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Major Gift Officer - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Major Gift Officer - Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education. Required Certifications: None
Penn State Dickinson Law
Philanthropy will have a special impact for Penn State Dickinson Law, which draws strength from both its tradition of excellence in legal education having been established in 1834 in Carlisle, PA, and its current status as the primary location of a one law school, two location model for Penn State. The additional location for legal education is in University Park, PA. Both locations access the resources and opportunities of a world-class research university. Its alumni include some of the nation’s finest attorneys, judges, government and corporate leaders, and legal scholars, and its core mission is to prepare students for 21st century profession-readiness in the most marketable, cutting-edge, and relevant areas of the law. At the same time, Penn State Dickinson Law cultivates its students’ awareness of the impact that they can have in the communities where they pursue their educations and ultimately build their careers. More information can be found at dickinsonlaw.psu.edu.
Penn State’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations
If you believe in the power of higher education—and philanthropy—to shape the public good, you’ll excel right here in Penn State’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR). Our organization includes more than 500 professionals engaging a community of more than 700,000 alumni who believe in the power of giving back. Across our 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. Learn more about us at raise.psu.edu and explore the success of our most recent campaign at greaterpennstate.psu.edu.
Building a Career and a Life at Penn State
Across all campuses and an online World Campus, our 100,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’s the positive impact made on communities across the globe. Penn State consistently ranks among the top academic and research universities in the world: psu.edu/this-is-penn-state/facts-and-rankings
This position is based in Carlisle, just minutes from the Pennsylvania capital in Harrisburg and a short drive from Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and New York. The Harrisburg-Carlisle region is one of America’s most livable cities, and the region offers easy access to both natural beauty, including the Appalachian Trail, and cultural resources such as museums, theaters, and restaurants. Penn State Dickinson Law is in close proximity of Penn State Health and College of Medicine, and Penn State Harrisburg, with which the law school collaborates on professional- and graduate-level programming. Carlisle is also less than two hours from Penn State’s University Park campus and the excitement of its programs in intercollegiate athletics and the arts. Carlisle itself offers the charm of history going back to the 18th century as well as excellent public and private schools, farmers markets, and more. To discover why residents love the region, please visit dickinsonlaw.psu.edu/experience/region and visitcumberlandvalley.com/about-the-valley/towns/carlisle/.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $59,580.00 - $108,444.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
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. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
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. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
PA State Labor Law Poster
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
Hotlines
Skills Required
- Bachelor's Degree
- Track record of securing major gifts and meeting fundraising goals
- Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills for high-net-worth audiences
- Ability to identify and cultivate prospects and create written proposals
- Extensive regional and national travel to meet donors (frequent travel)
- Valid driver's license and ability to operate a motor vehicle; motor vehicle records check
- Successful completion of background check(s)
- Authorization to work in the U.S. (employer does not sponsor staff employment visas)
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team; self-motivation
- Ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment
Penn State University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Penn State University and has not been reviewed or approved by Penn State University.
-
Retirement Support — Employer contributions to SERS and the TIAA Alternate Plan are described as significant, with supplemental retirement options available. Feedback suggests these choices and contributions create strong long‑term value.
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — Full‑time employees accrue over 24 sick and vacation days annually, with additional university holidays and a winter break. Feedback suggests this depth of leave supports work–life balance.
-
Inclusive Benefits Coverage — A 75% tuition discount extends to employees, spouses, and dependent children up to age 26 across resident instruction, World Campus, and Penn College courses. Feedback suggests this broad eligibility meaningfully enhances total rewards, especially for families.
Penn State University Insights
What We Do
There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our nearly 88,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. From access to state-of-the-art resources to interdisciplinary pursuits in collaborative atmospheres, a Penn State degree is more than an education. The experiences and knowledge gained here will form the foundation for the lives our students build. Their contributions to the world begin with a Penn State degree. We Are Penn State.
