Associate Director of Development, University Priorities / Corporate and Foundation Relations

Associate Director of Development, University Priorities / Corporate and Foundation Relations

The George Mason University Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations invites qualified candidates to apply for a full-time position, Associate Director of Development, University Priorities/Corporate and Foundation Relations. The division is a comprehensive development and alumni relations enterprise with a staff complement of approximately 135 full-time employees. Functional units within Advancement and Alumni Relations include development/fundraising, alumni relations, donor relations and stewardship, advancement communications, special events, gift processing, research, prospect management, gift planning, corporate and foundation relations, information systems and management, and infrastructure services.

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.

This position also offers:

• Potential for flexible telework and hybrid telework scheduling;
• Competitive salary; and
• Outstanding benefits including:
• Health & life insurance, multiple industry-leading retirement plans available including state VRS Hybrid Retirement Plan, accrued paid days off per year, paid holidays, paid winter break (subject to annual approval), paid sick leave, professional development, tuition reimbursement at GMU, and employee assistance programs.

About the Position:

The Associate Director of Development, University Priorities / Corporate and Foundation Relations will plan and implement a variety of strategies to raise funds from major donors and secure significant philanthropic support for University Priorities.

The Associate Director will manage a portfolio of donors and prospective donors, including Corporations and Corporate Foundations, and be responsible for facilitating all phases of the gift cycle, including initiating contact, cultivating and moving potential donors to solicitation and closure, creating solicitations, writing proposals, and stewarding donors. The position works collaboratively with key volunteers, school leadership and faculty, Advancement staff and other school representatives to cultivate and solicit donors for university priorities.

Responsibilities:

• Assists the Senior Director of Development for Corporate and Foundation Relations in preparation of annual and strategic plans for fundraising initiatives and oversees implementation of these plans;
• Obtains financial support for the University by identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding current donors and identifying new donor prospects, including Corporations and Foundations;
• Support academic units with complex corporate and foundation proposal strategies and submissions for major gifts;
• Plans and implements donor relations and fundraising events for major donors with the goal of donor engagement and support;
• Assists as needed in University Priorities and CFR related development events, programs and activities, some of which occur on evenings or weekends; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a related field and demonstrated successful professional advancement and/or fundraising-related experience; or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skill and abilities have been achieved;
• Experience documenting appropriate information in a donor management database system;
• Demonstrated experience working with internal and external constituents;
• Excellent research, writing and interpersonal communication skills;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite; and
• A creative approach to involve and solicit major donor prospects and possess the ability to motivate.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Corporate and Foundation giving;
• Experience working with diverse groups of constituents and colleagues;
• Experience fundraising in higher education;
• Familiarity with CRM fundraising software;
• Understanding of and the ability to articulate the accomplishments and goals of a complex organization;
• Understand basic principles and techniques of planned giving, and ability to work closely with planned giving colleagues; and
• Demonstrate sound judgment necessary for interacting with donors, prospects, trustees, faculty and staff.

Special Instructions to Applicants

For full consideration, applicants must apply for position number FA45KZ 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.