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.
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.

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State is currently seeking a Assistant Director of Alumni Relations to support the Smeal College of Business. 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.

For full consideration, applicants are asked to attach a cover letter and resume/CV.

Reporting to the Director of Alumni Relations and work closely with the Development and Alumni Relations Smeal team, Associate Director of Alumni Relations, major gift officers, faculty, and staff of the Smeal College, as well as other partners across the University and alumni communities this Assistant Director of Alumni Relations will:

Collaborate with the team on alumni engagement strategies, including events, volunteer opportunities, communications, and outreach initiatives to foster a sense of community;
Articulate Penn State’s needs, ambitions, and values through excellent informal and formal communications;
Serve as the primary administrator and strategic lead for Smeal's digital alumni engagement platform;
Develop and execute strategies to grow platform participation and encourage meaningful connections among alumni, students, and other members of the Smeal community;
Create and manage engagement campaigns, affinity groups, networking opportunities, and content that drives ongoing participation;
Monitor platform analytics and user engagement metrics to inform strategy and continuous improvement;
Create opportunities for alumni networking, volunteerism, professional development, and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing.
Develop and coordinate webinars, panel discussions, workshops, and other lifelong learning initiatives, partnering with alumni volunteers, faculty, college leadership, and external partners to identify timely topics, engaging speakers, and meaningful opportunities for alumni engagement.
Monitor emerging industry and workforce trends to inform program development and ensure relevance to alumni audiences.
Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend enhancements based on participation data, feedback, and engagement outcomes.
Partner with Smeal offices, centers, institutes, and academic departments to connect alumni with thought leadership, professional practice, and industry engagement opportunities.
Partner with marketing and communications to showcase alumni success stories that strengthen alumni affinity and elevate the college's brand.
Perform other duties as assigned to support alumni engagement efforts.

The successful candidate will have

Demonstrated ability to build and sustain meaningful relationships with alumni, volunteers, donors, and campus partners;
Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills;
The ability to create and maintain an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and colleagues;
The ability to travel (within State College), work evenings and weekends as needed and required to fulfill job responsibilities
Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and events while maintaining a high level of attention to detail;
A collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset with the ability to work effectively across departments, adapt to changing priorities, and contribute to a positive team culture;
Initiative, sound judgment, and a proactive approach to identifying opportunities that strengthen alumni engagement and advance the college's mission;
A positive, adaptable approach to work, demonstrating resilience, flexibility, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities and challenges with professionalism and enthusiasm;
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

1+ 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.

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 $54,060.00 - $78,444.00.

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.

Penn State 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.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

Hotlines

Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, Smeal College of Business @ PSU

About this role