Penn State Job Catalog

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

The Principal Gift Officer leads the development and execution of fundraising strategy for university-wide strategic initiatives and interdisciplinary priorities identified in the campaign and strategic plans. This position forges collaborations that integrate executive and research leadership, strategic committees, development colleagues, and fundraising volunteers to advance case development and prospect strategy.

• Collaborate with academic and research leadership, identify focal initiatives for philanthropy and build/articulate the case for support
• Develop and execute short- and long-range strategies to identify, cultivate, and solicit assigned prospects
• Work closely with Office of University Development colleagues to coordinate strategic development and fundraising activities
• Convene discussions among academic leadership about the cross-unit collaborations essential to achieving the focus campaign priorities
• Work with analytics teams to identify current and prospective donors who may have an interest in the campaign’s imperatives and themes
• Collaborate with communication departments on the development of materials and proposals used to promote, advance, and articulate campaign goals and elevate the visibility of strategic initiatives
• Examine systemic and metric changes that incentivize academic leaders and fundraising colleagues to share in advancing philanthropic support for strategic initiatives
• Adapt DDAR procedures and systems to support donor-centered interdisciplinary fundraising activity and success
• Monitor high-level donor cultivation and solicitation activity to ensure closure of major gifts in these areas
• Operate as the lead fundraising liaison for identified strategic initiatives between DDAR and academic leadership
• Maximize philanthropic outcomes and increase transformational gifts

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 – 14
• Minimum – $97,100.00
• MidPoint – $121,400.00
• Maximum – $145,700.00