Director of Development, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Director of Development, College of Humanities and Social SciencesThe George Mason University College of Humanities and Social Sciences invites applications for the position of Director of Development. The Advancement division is a comprehensive development and alumni relations enterprise with a staff complement of approximately 135 full-time employees. Functional units within Advancement 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.Advancement's mission is to build strong, lifelong relationships with George Mason University's alumni and constituents, while matching their philanthropic interests with the university's aspirations and priorities. The division is committed to serving the needs of the university, our alumni, and the greater community by providing access to quality education and lifelong learning. Respect, service, integrity, collaboration, diversity, transparency, and creativity are the values that guide our work and culture.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;Outstanding benefits include: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, paid sick leave, professional development, tuition reimbursement at GMU, and employee assistance programs.About the Position:The Director of Development serves as the lead major gift officer for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), the largest college on campus, and will work closely with the Dean and Senior Director of Development to develop and implement a strategic plan for solicitation of principal and major gifts on behalf of the College. The College has ambitious goals, and the Director will play a leading role in its success.This is a position that is heavily focused on major gift fundraising and building relationships, and it requires a commitment to the tracking of measures and metrics to build a pipeline of donors to support the aspirations of the Dean, faculty, and students of the College and the University as a whole. These responsibilities will require and showcase a deep understanding of the donor engagement process, strong project management skills, and the ability to manage and collaborate with members of a dedicated team.The Director will directly supervise major gift officers in CHSS and will provide vision and counsel on advancement strategies to members of the development team, the Dean, faculty, and other senior leaders, and will collaborate closely with the central University Advancement team. They will build productive relationships with current and new donors, including with individuals not already in the College's pipeline. The Director will need to be able to write compelling development plans and proposals and track and present data in such a way as to help College leaders to achieve their goals.Required Qualifications:The ideal candidate must be goal-oriented, collegial, and collaborative;Possess a Master's degree in a related field and demonstrated successful professional advancement or fundraising-related experience, preferably in higher education;Demonstrate a record of successful major gift solicitations and experience designing, executing, and measuring the effectiveness of fundraising strategies;Excellent writing and interpersonal communication skills;A creative approach to involve and solicit major donor prospects and the ability to motivate others;Demonstrated experience with personnel or volunteer management;Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and experience with documenting appropriate information in a donor management database system; andPossession of a valid driver's license; ability and willingness to travel independently for donor outreach and cultivation; ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.Preferred Qualifications:7+ years of experience in major gifts fundraising, preferably in higher education;Possess understanding of, and the ability to articulate, the accomplishments and goals of a complex organization;Familiarity with CRM fundraising software; andDemonstrate sound judgment necessary for interacting with donors, prospects, trustees, faculty, and staff.

For full consideration, applicants must apply 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.

"Great Careers Begin at Mason! George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in both academics and research. Mason holds a top U.S. News and World Report "Up and Coming" spot for national universities and is recognized for its global appeal and excellence in higher education.Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason's diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition."