Penn State Job Catalog

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

Foundation Relations Officers work in partnership across the University community to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts from foundation donors; plan and implement major gift fundraising strategies; coordinate with other University offices to secure philanthropic support for strategic priorities; engage deans, department heads, faculty, and Development colleagues in their work with foundation prospects, through prospect research, strategy and proposal development, visitation and stewardship plans; maintain positive relationships with development and faculty colleagues to match programmatic and research strengths and needs with foundation donor priorities and objectives.

• Develop engagement strategies to cultivate the funding relationship with foundation program officers by identifying prospects and building relationships with program staff
• Build relationships with foundations to better understand funding priorities and gain feedback from program staff
• Engage faculty and leadership in the relationship-building process when possible and prepare briefing materials and relationship reports as needed
• Serve as a liaison to designated colleges, units, institutes, and campuses and collaborate with appropriate leadership to develop strategies to secure significant philanthropic gifts in support of University priorities
• Prepare acknowledgment letters, interim and final stewardship reports, and other correspondence
• Coordinate the University’s relationship with foundations in pursuit of philanthropic support by developing and implementing strategies
• Compile cases for support, including the development of concept papers, letters of inquiry, proposals, and associated grant materials
• Contribute to the development and implementation of policies, procedures and systems designed to maximize private foundation support
• Identify new funders and funding opportunities to maintain a strong prospect pool that aligns with University priorities
• Stay current on trends and emerging topics in foundation philanthropy
• May deliver training programs to engage and inform faculty and colleagues

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 – 10
• Minimum – $61,800.00
• MidPoint – $75,700.00
• Maximum – $89,600.00