1. Advance your career—
and a world-class university—
in Penn State’s Office of
University Development
Penn State University
Development
Discoveries that are changing disciplines and lives.
Outreach that matters around the world.
And, since our founding in 1855, educational opportunities that transform the destinies of students, families, and communities.
No aspect of Penn State’s land-grant mission would be possible without the support of our alumni and friends—and without
the more than 300 development and alumni relations professionals who are setting the standard in the field and sharing
their talents and commitment at Penn State.
As a member of Penn State’s Office of University Development, you can play an integral role in one of the most respected
and successful fundraising operations in the country. We’re looking for leaders who believe in the power of higher
education—and philanthropy—to shape our shared future.
Our future starts with you
2. Our Success
Over the last twenty-five years, Penn State has become a fundraising powerhouse with three major campaigns.
“During the first decade that I had the honor of leading Penn
State’s development team, we raised more than in the entire
preceding 150-year history of the University. As I conclude my
second decade here, I am proud that we continue to grow our
ambitions and our results. But I take the greatest pride in how
we grow our people. The dedicated professionals who serve
Penn State deserve our dedication to their success as fundrais-
ers and leaders. By investing in every member of the Office of
University Development, we can help them to be the best pos-
sible ambassadors for our institution and for the field of higher
education.”
the most alumni donors ever to
a higher education campaign
For the Future:
The Campaign
for Penn State
Students
2007–2014
The Campaign for
Penn State
1984–1990
The Grand Destiny
Campaign
1997–2003
$352million
$1.37billion
$2.188billion
One of only a dozen public
higher education campaigns
to hit a $2 billion goal
Total raised for the campaign’s
top priority, undergraduate
scholarships
604,000
total donors
$530million
176,000
Now our development team is charged with keeping the momentum of For the Future going into our next campaign—
and beyond.
Learn more about For the Future at giveto.psu.edu/impact
Rodney P. Kirsch is Penn State’s senior vice president for devel-
opment and alumni relations and dean of the Big Ten Fundraisers
Institute. His career as one of the most respected leaders in higher
education fundraising has included positions at Drake University,
University of California Berkeley, and Indiana University. He is a
Distinguished Alumnus of Indiana University’s School of Education
and an Honorary Alumnus of Penn State.
3. It’s no coincidence that over the same decades that Penn State has become a national leader in fundraising, it has also
become an international leader in education, research, and service. With the help of private support, today’s Penn State is:
Ranked among the top 100 universities in the world by Times Higher Education World University
Rankings, the Center for World University Rankings, and the Academic Ranking of World Universities
Among the top ten U.S. institutions for industry-sponsored research
The nation’s top producer of Fulbright Scholars
#1 choice of corporate recruiters, according to a survey by the Wall Street Journal
One of the country’s top 25 “gap-closer” schools for its graduation rates of African American
and Hispanic students
www.psu.edu/this-is-penn-state/
“Penn State’s potential is infinite. Our financial
resources are not. Over and over during my career,
though, I’ve seen philanthropy make the difference
between the good and the great. And the support
of Penn State’s alumni and friends is putting great-
ness in reach for our students and our institution.
The Office of University Development will be vital
in achieving our ambitious vision for the future of
Penn State.”
Eric J. Barron first served Penn State from 1986 to
2006, when his career took him from his post as
dean of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences to
opportunities at the University of Texas Austin, the Na-
tional Center for Atmospheric Research, and Florida
State University. He returned to Penn State in 2014 as
its 18th President.
Penn State’s Success
4. And a Great Life, Too!
One of Pennsylvania’s best school systems.
World-class offerings in music and theatre.
Sports at every level from Little League to NCAA Division I (and a minor league baseball team!).
A breathtaking landscape you can experience on the trail, in a kayak, or just from your backyard.
The quality of life in State College and Centre County has earned our area more than the nickname “Happy Valley”—
it’s also been recognized in national rankings as one of the most livable, safest, and smartest cities in the country.
www.happyvalley.com
Your SuccessYou’ve chosen a career in fundraising because you want to make a difference.
There’s no better place to do it than Penn State.
With twenty-four campuses, sixteen academic colleges, and offices committed to outreach, educational equity, and other
missions, the University needs a broad range of fundraisers who can help us to aim even higher for our institution, our
students, and our development team.Through mentorship, training, and other opportunities for professional growth, you
can tap your full potential to serve and lead, to connect and achieve.
giveto.psu.edu/careers
To learn more, please contact:
Drew Kovacs
Associate Director, Talent Acquisition
University Development
DrewKovacs@psu.edu
The Pennsylvania State University
1H Old Main, University Park, PA 16802
Office: 814-867-5870 Cell: 702-423-5770
linkedin.com/in/drewkovacs/