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 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.

Please refer the Job description for details