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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 a Development Assistant in supporting Eberly College of Science. 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 working closely with the Eberly College of Science Development and Alumni Relations office, as well as other partners, this Development Assistant will:
Work collaboratively with the Senior Director of Development and unit to maximize fund raising efforts and success;
Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications;
Prepare, provide, and review various reports for the Senior Director of Development and Major Gift Officers; support donor tracking and participation and ensure database record management, assist in tracking, updating and maintaining prospect and proposal information in Propsect Tracking Database (Advance Web or AWA);
Create and prepare recent activity reports and follow-up on necessary tasks;
Participate in the management of portfolios of major gift prospects; input updates, maintain donor records and entity information, enter and track annual goal setting;
Serve as the Prospect Management and Analytics (PMA) liaison working directly with the assigned analyst;
Provide administrative support for the travel of the Senior Director of Development; ensure staff have necessary pre-travel materials and post-travel follow-ups travel support for the senior director of development and assist with travel list and assistance for gift officers as needed;
Track and code Millennium society membership;
Participate in the unit identified lead tracking and follow up;
Prepare and distribute reports, executive summaries, and meeting materials to support the Senior Director of Development’s meetings and decision-making.
The successful candidate will have:
Forward-thinking mindset with the ability to recommend innovative strategies for prospect identification, engagement, and pipeline growth.
Demonstrated ability to learn and adapt to new enterprise systems and technologies, particularly in environments undergoing system implementations or upgrades;
Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills both written and oral;
Strong attention to detail while working in a fast-paced environment
The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues;
Comfortable using technology and CRM platforms, including Salesforce, to manage prospect data, track activity, and support strategic decision-making.
Experience utilizing LinkedIn Sales Navigator and other prospect research tools to expand outreach efforts and identify new funding or engagement opportunities.
Additional requirements:
Familiarity with enterprise systems such as ERS and SAP Concur, with the ability to efficiently navigate and utilize business applications.
Ability to translate data insights into actionable recommendations that support development goals and leadership priorities.
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
General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS) 2+ years of relevant experience 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.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 $40,608.00 - $58,836.00.
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
- High school diploma or GED with 2+ years relevant experience
- Experience using Salesforce (CRM) to manage prospect data
- Experience with LinkedIn Sales Navigator and prospect research tools
- Familiarity with Advance Web (AWA) or Prospect Tracking Database
- Familiarity with enterprise systems ERS and SAP Concur
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to learn and adapt to new enterprise systems and technologies
- Ability to translate data insights into actionable recommendations
- Ability to self-motivate and work both independently and as part of a team
- Commitment to professional development, learning, and being mentored
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.
