Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Major Gifts

The Major Gift Officer manages the fundraising efforts for donors and prospects in their assigned college or unit, including annual receipt and commitment goals; provides professional guidance and leadership in identifying and executing strategies that are most likely to be achieved through private philanthropy; develops annual goal setting and fundraising plans and direct related activities in support of these goals and objectives; manages a portfolio of major gift prospects; identifies, cultivates and solicits donors and prospects in support of the College or Unit fundraising goals; works collaboratively with the head of the academic unit, development, trained committee volunteers and central University Development staff to maximize fundraising success for the University; works to engage department heads, faculty, and staff in the fundraising enterprise.

• Develop and execute plans for the evaluation, cultivation, and solicitation of major gift prospects
• Identify, cultivate, steward, and solicit contributions through personal calls and visits
• Partner with the Dean, Chancellor, or unit leadership on strategic advancement initiatives and the management of campaign committees
• Analyze the effectiveness of programs and recommend improvements or new creative strategies
• Work with committees and boards to plan and implement development activities
• Develop and produce communication tools, proposals, and reports
• Serve as liaison on behalf of the annual fund; prepare regular progress reports
• Match University strengths with prospective donors
• Identify, cultivate, recruit, and train volunteers for designated projects
• Identify and interpret available research data pertinent to the development of relationships with potential donors
• May hire, supervise, train, and direct the work of assigned staff

Level:

– Advanced Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor or mentor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 12
• Minimum – $76,700.00
• MidPoint – $95,900.00
• Maximum – $115,100.00