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 aGift Planning Assistantin supportingthe Office of Gift Acceptance.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.
For full consideration, applicants mustsubmita Cover Letter and Resume/CV with completed application.
ReportingtotheDirector of Gift Acceptanceandworking closely withthe members of Gift Acceptance team and otherpartners across the Division of Development and Alumni Relations, this Gift Planning Assistantwill:
Provide comprehensive administrative and operational support for gift acceptance and plannedgivingactivities, including estate and trust administration, record management,andprocessing of gift documentation and recording, while ensuringaccurateand effective communication across the Division of Development and Alumni Relations;
Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formalcommunications;
Supportestateand trust administration, including tracking payments, preparing documentation,maintainingrecords, andassistingwith correspondence and reporting;
Coordinate and process guideline agreements and donor intent statements, including routing for signatures, preparing acknowledgment materials, andmaintainingtracking systems and archives;
Prepare and review bequest expectancy reports, ensuringaccuratedonor records, calculations, and internal coordination for proper recording;
Provide backup support for specialized gift types, including life insurance and gifts-in-kind,assistingwith documentation, donor communication, and recordkeeping;
Maintain planned givingdonor recognition and membership tracking, ensuringaccuratequalification and follow-up;
Collaborate inidentifyingopportunities to improve workflows, tracking systems, and documentation processes to enhance efficiency and compliance;
Maintain and update internal procedures, guides, and materials related to gift acceptance and plannedgivingoperations;
Ensure accuracy and consistency of donor and gift data across systems;assistwith audits, reconciliations, and data clean-up projects;
Support implementation or enhancement of databases and reporting tools;
Assistin ensuring adherence to institutional policies, legal requirements, and donor intent in all gift processing activities;
Support preparation for internal and external audits by organizing documentation and responding to requests;
Serve as a liaison for internal departments to resolve issues and streamline processes;
Contribute to periodic reporting on plannedgivingactivity, trends, and performance metrics; and
Deliver general office support, including managing communications, processingmailand financial documents, preparing reports, and responding to inquiries related to gift acceptance procedures
The successful candidate will have:
Paralegal, Legal Assistant or similar experience;
Exemplary interpersonal and communicationskills;
The ability to create andmaintainan inclusive and respectful environment for all students andcolleagues;
Knowledge of estate and trust administration;
Understanding ofthe Division of Development and Alumni Relations;
A proven abilityto self-motivate and work both independently and as part of ateam;
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
Associate Degree
4+ 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’llexcel right here in Penn State’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR). Our organization includes more than 500 professionalsengaginga community of more than800,000 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.eduand explore the success of our most recent campaign at greaterpennstate.psu.edu
Building a Career and a Life at Penn State
Acrossallcampuses and an online World Campus, our100,000 studentsand 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’sthe positive impact made on communities across the globe. Penn State consistently ranks among the top academic and research universities in the worldpsu.edu/this-is-penn-state/facts-and-rankings
This position is basedatthe University Park campus,locatedin 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.usand 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 $51,000.00 - $74,000.00.
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.
