Associate Director of Development
Associate Director of Development
The George Mason University, Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), invites applications for an Associate Director of Development. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason’s academic and culturally inclusive environment.
Reporting to the Chief Development Officer/Senior Director of Advancement, the Associate Director of Development will assist in the preparation of annual and strategic plans for fundraising and oversee the implementation of these plans. The Associate Director will be responsible for seeking financial support from alumni and friends. This person will plan and implement a variety of solicitations and events in conjunction with the Senior Director of Development and other development staff.
Responsibilities:
Revenue Generation
- Identifies and cultivates major gift prospects including developing ways to find new prospects and following up on inquiries regarding significant gifts to the University;
- Personally solicits assigned donor portfolio through face-to-face visits, including preparation of personalized materials;
- Proactively identifies, develops, and delivers engagement opportunities to donors to ensure the maximization of their financial and non-financial support;
- Accountable for meeting or exceeding established fundraising goals and metrics, as determined and set by Central Advancement, currently $250,000;
- Effectively manages 75 – 125 prospects through personal visits, correspondence, electronic and telephone communication;
- Meets or exceeds metrics related to portfolio, visits, asks, and documentation, as set by Central Advancement;
- Accountable for cultivating relationships of individual and organizational fundraising with focus on retention, recapture, and growth;
- Researches, develops, and writes funding proposals, appeal letters, and reports as required;
- Builds trusting relationships with advancement colleagues as well as deans, directors, prospects, donors, and volunteers;
- Becomes immersed in the key strategies and initiatives of CEHD and George Mason University;
- Actively researches and seeks out new prospective donors; demonstrates creativity in finding new prospects; and
- Maintains all current actions in Patriot Force (CRM).
Annual Fund/Development Communications Support
- Serves as the persuasive writer for Development building an effective and innovative development communications program that leverages Central Advancement outreach and integrates with CEHD Marketing;
- In collaboration with the CEHD Dean’s office, integrates development communication channels with other communication efforts in the college, including but not limited to, CEHD development’s web and social media presence; the collection, integration, and utilization of all college points of pride, i.e., stories of impact from the work of the college and the use of philanthropic gifts; producing and utilizing alumni profiles and testimonials; facilitating alumni participation in college marketing efforts; producing college-level annual report, bi-annual print newsletters, and monthly e-newsletter to alumni;
- Works with Central Development for specific CEHD annual giving appeals; serves as CEHD representative to Annual Giving;
- Supplements Central Advancement with emails, phone calls, social media campaigns, and other creative initiatives;
- Coordinates all CEHD division and program-based fundraising appeals;
- Increases number of CEHD alumni donors;
- Ensures that appeals are well-planned, well-executed, and effective;
- Oversees staff and faculty giving programs; and
- Oversees annual Giving Day programming for CEHD and integrates with Central Advancement programming.
Alumni Relations Support
- Works with the Office of Alumni Affairs to create and execute effective ways of engaging CEHD alumni through events and communications;
- Acts as a contact and resource for CEHD departments and programs seeking to contact and engage alumni; and
- Identifies alumni stories for use in all communication including, website, e-newsletters, and all social media outlets.
Stewardship
- Executes existing stewardship plan for CEHD donors and finds creative and effective ways to expand the program;
- Works with CEHD and within Student Academic Affairs in the scholarship award process; ensures fund spend out and donor acknowledgement;
- Works with Financial Aid office and SAA regarding scholarship recipients;
- Ensures CEHD donors are included in University-wide stewardship events;
- Works with CEHD gift officers and leadership to identify unique and meaningful expressions of gratitude for all assigned donors and all faculty/staff that support CEHD; and
- Creates an efficient but meaningful acknowledgement process to express gratitude to all donors.
Analysis, Tracking and Filing
- Maintains accurate and timely records using University Development data management and reporting systems, follows Mason policies and procedures, maintains files, and provides annual projections;
- Gains proficiency in pulling reports and providing analysis that measure impact of annual giving, alumni relations, and stewardship programming;
- Supports all three Colleges and multiple divisions by providing information and support that helps build alumni engagement and philanthropic giving;
- Works with Central Advancement and GMU Foundation in gifts processing, foundation fund creation and administration when necessary;
- Works with CEHD divisions and programs to coordinate communications; and
- Supports CEHD-wide events such as Convocation, Celebration of Distinction, visits of dignitaries and speakers, and other events as needed.
Required Qualifications:
- Advanced degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience;
- Ability to work independently on a wide variety of tasks and is organized and self-motivated;
- Evidence of understanding, and the ability to articulate, the accomplishments and goals of a complex organization along with sound judgment skills necessary for interacting with alumni, donor prospects, trustees, faculty and staff;
- Possess excellent oral and written communication skills, be poised, confident, and proficient at engaging all types of volunteers and donors;
- Ability to function as a positive and contributing member of both a small team focused on college development and communications, and as a part of the larger university development operation;
- Direct donor contact experience and a successful track record in soliciting gifts; and
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and experience with a donor database, preferably Salesforce.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous experience in higher education is a plus.
Special Instructions to Applicants
For full consideration, applicants must apply for position number FA41KZ at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information.
George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.