APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

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.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

Penn State is currently seeking a Associate Director, Academic Communities in supporting the Alumni Association’s Volunteer Engagement team. The Alumni Association’s Volunteer Engagement team is seeking a dynamic, caring, energetic, self-directed, and thoughtful team member to provide the oversight, direction, project management, and operations for the role of Associate Director, Academic Communities. The position works to increase alumni support and participation in University organizations and activities through a network of Penn State Alumni Societies (college/campus-based groups) – as well as other volunteer opportunities. In addition, the position serves a leading role in all Association awards programs. The Associate Director provides consultative services that are consistent with team goals and procedures, assisting alumni relations departments and volunteers with organizational development through guidance, support, advice, and training. Because our groups are found across the Penn State system, building and maintaining relationships with the staff and volunteers is critical. This role requires occasional travel and work on evenings and weekends. 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 Director, Volunteer Engagement and working closely with the Alumni Association’s Volunteer Engagement team, as well as other partners, the Associate Director, Academic Communities will:

• Provide coaching, direction, and strategy to the Alumni Association’s network of Alumni Societies while working with their staff, volunteers, and boards.

• Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications;

• Provide strategic direction and delivery of Association awards programs working with internal administration and external volunteer awards committee. Support and plan the Alumni Association’s five award programs by broadly soliciting nominations, developing materials for committees, planning ceremonies, and serving as primary contact to oversee all awards.

• Evaluate existing programs and services and utilize results to determine strategies to best support the changing needs for volunteer opportunities.

• Lead and serve on project teams, including those within the volunteer engagement team and beyond.

• Collaborate and develop and maintain working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders (Alumni Association, DDAR, University, and beyond).

The successful candidate will have:

• Experience with alumni and student engagement and advising, volunteer management, stewardship, supervision, and financial oversight

• A dedication to and understanding of the skills required to build relationships with various communities;

• Experience developing and producing internal and external presentations, proposals, and reports for the Alumni Association;

• Ability to manage a complex program and build relationships with students, alumni, and friends

• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills;

• 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

Bachelor's Degree
8+ 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’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. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

 

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 $76,700.00 - $115,100.00.

 

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.

The Pennsylvania State University 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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