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Director of Gift Acceptance

The Pennsylvania State University
life insurance, paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Jul 14, 2025
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, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State is currently seeking a Director of Gift Acceptance to support The Office of Gift Planning. 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 Assistant Vice President for Gift Planning and with significant experience in gift planning and gift administration the Director of Gift Acceptance will:

  • Assist in the creation of all endowed funds;
  • Articulate Penn State's needs, ambitions, and values, including diversity, equity, and inclusion, through excellent informal and formal communications;
  • Draft and route detailed and complex gift agreements pertaining to new gifts, changes to allocation/purpose of previous contributions, and revocation of previously documented commitments;
  • Oversee and manage the administration of probate estates and trusts that benefit Penn State;
  • Document and record future pledges;
  • Support team members who administer the University's $170 million life income gift program, working closely with the Offices of Gift Planning and Treasury and the University's third-party administrator TIAA Kaspick;
  • Manage the University's gift-in-kind acceptance process;
  • Supervise the University's donated life insurance portfolio and work closely with Treasury in aspects of life insurance policy administration;
  • Collaborate with internal and external DDAR partners on gift acceptance and legal issues;
  • Assist University colleagues in processing and documenting gifts to Penn State.

The successful candidate will have:

  • Significant experience in gift recording and acceptance policies, specifically in the field of higher education, with a preference for individuals with a Master's degree or JD;
  • A dedication to and understanding of the skills required to build relationships with diverse communities;
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion;
  • Familiarity with planned gifts, life income gifts, and estate/trust administration;
  • Experience in drafting or reviewing gift documentation or legal contracts and agreements;
  • Knowledge of federal and state charitable giving and estate laws;
  • The ability to communicate complex gift and financial details to a variety of audiences including internal and external constituents;
  • The capacity to meet tight deadlines and to handle multiple projects simultaneously;
  • A demonstrated ability to interact effectively and efficiently with donors, development officers, and members of the legal & advisory communities;
  • 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

If filled as Gift Planning Specialist - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Gift Planning Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

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 700,000 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 - $145,700.00.

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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