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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 an Associate Director Alumni Events in supporting the Penn State Alumni Association, Alumni Events & Travel team. 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 Director, Alumni Events and Travel and working closely working closely with the Alumni Association’s Engagement Team, as well as other partners, this Associate Director of Alumni Events will:
In a senior capacity, develop, implement, execute, and maintain alumni events and related services for both in person and virtual experiences.
Responsible to manage and lead the Event Coordinators which coordinate all activities held at the Hintz Family Alumni Center.
Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications;
Project Lead and coordinate events and activities to include, but are not limited to reunions, Homecoming, presidential receptions, athletic pep rallies and receptions, alumni networking events, educational and recognition events.
Negotiate and process contracts for necessary alumni event venues, caterers, hotels, etc.
Create and analyze the effectiveness of programs and events and recommend improvements or new creative strategies
Collaborate with colleagues and manage constituent management activities, including direct mail, e-communications, and event planning
Create and coordinate events and program attendee reservations and create data reports to analyze event success
Work with volunteers, committees, boards, and University staff as assigned
May assist in writing and editing proposals, scripts and other written materials
Research and manage inventory of marketing materials, promotional handouts, nametags, giveaways and office supplies to be used during alumni and development events
Direct and coordinate the activities of assigned event staff and provide direction, training, and solve problems as necessary;
This position may coordinate events held at the Hintz Family Alumni Center.
Previous experience with Word, Excel, IBM Notes, and event registration and production tools is highly desirable. Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certificate in Meeting Management (CMM) or Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) designations encouraged or in process of working towards certification.
Will supervise staff including responsibilities related to hiring, onboarding, performance management, and professional development
The successful candidate will have:
Prior experience providing leadership, coaching, mentoring, or training to fulltime employees
The ability to demonstrate strong attention to detail and problem solving to consistently deliver accurate, high-quality work;
Strong organizational skills to multitask and managing multiple event timelines effectively and simultaneously.
Will have a minimum of 6 years of prior logistical planning experience to include budgeting & reconciliations, attendee registration, venue search, contract negotiations, food and beverage, audiovisual, room set ups, speaker management and housing blocks. Must be able to coordinate, direct and supervise the activities of volunteers or work teams;
Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills;
The ability to work evenings and weekends as needed, with overnight travel required to fulfill job responsibilities;
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.
For full consideration, applicants are asked to attach a cover letter and resume/CV with their application.
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 Constituent Programming and Events Officer - Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 8+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Constituent Programming and Events Officer - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None
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 800,000 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 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 other natural assets, and a broad range of cultural and athletic events and venues: statecollegepa.us and statecollege.com
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 - $94,980.00.
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.
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Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Minimum of 6 years logistical planning experience (budgeting, attendee registration, venue search, contract negotiation, F&B, audiovisual, room setups, speaker management, housing blocks)
- Prior experience providing leadership, coaching, mentoring, or training to full-time employees; supervising staff including hiring and performance management
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, problem solving, and exemplary interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed and undertake overnight travel
- Valid driver's license and successful motor vehicle records check; ability to operate a motor vehicle as part of job duties
- Successful completion of background check(s)
- Authorization to work in the U.S. (Penn State does not sponsor staff employment visas)
- Experience with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, IBM Notes, and event registration/production tools
- Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certificate in Meeting Management (CMM), or Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) encouraged or in progress
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
