Director of Communications, Advancement and Alumni RelationsThe George Mason University Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations invites qualified candidates to apply for a full-time Director of Communications, Advancement and Alumni Relations. The University 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, stewardship and donor relations, 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 schedulingCompetitive salaryOutstanding benefits including:Health and 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.Responsibilities:Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, Advancement Communications, the Director of Communications, Advancement and Alumni Relations will be responsible for overseeing a communications program that targets donors, alumni, and volunteers, and supports University priorities. As part of a multi-functional communications team, the Director will work closely with the Assistant Vice President to promote the reputation of the University and foster engagement among its supporters and alumni. The Director of Communications will also collaborate closely with Advancement and Alumni officers and the senior management team to develop, execute, and manage a strategic, multi-channel Advancement communications plan before, during, and after the University's anticipated comprehensive fundraising campaign.This position will lead a communications team to ensure consistent and effective external communications conveying the breadth of Advancement and Alumni Relations mission that is delivered to donors and alumni through traditional and digital platforms. The Director will work closely with Advancement and Alumni teams, as well as schools and units, and coordinate communication plans to ensure that institutional print and digital communications remain up to date and reflective of best practices. This role will serve as a direct liaison to communications roles in schools, units, and the Office of University Branding. The Director will also contribute to the execution of the comprehensive fundraising campaign and University-wide initiatives or announcements.Duties Include:Develop, write, manage, and produce multimedia content for Advancement and Alumni Relations channels, including web, social media, brochures, reports, articles, invitations, videos, solicitations, newsletters, etc.;Develop and/or contribute to the creation of content that promotes office campaigns, events, and announcements, and ensures Advancement and Alumni Relations communications adhere to the University brand guidance;Provide management of the day-to-day operations and assignments, and deadlines for all communications content produced by staff, consultants, vendors, and student interns;Oversee project development from concept through launch or delivery; create and execute project timelines and successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously;Write, edit, copyedit and proofread collateral including newsletters, direct mail, emails, and stories in line with Mason's editorial style; curate and adapt content for designated communications channels;Serve as the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations liaison to schools/units, consultants, freelancers, and vendors to build relationships and guide University and school/unit fundraising messages, case statements, and other marketing collateral including, but not limited to, newsletters, websites, presentations, and videos;Contribute to the design and manage the production of campaign communication materials, including but not limited to, writing, graphic design, digital media, videography, photography, and social media;Hire, train, and evaluate staff; provide the team with framework for goal setting and benchmarking for their respective program areas;Analyze, track, and report on metrics for communications channels and monitor progress toward all initiatives and goals;Write, conceive, and develop advancement-related content for Spirit magazine;Manage and maintain all content on Advancement and Alumni Relations websites;Collaborate with Advancement and University colleagues to identify stories worthy of publicizing, such as donor profiles, the impact of giving, announcements and promotion of major gifts, and donor-related naming's achieved through the campaign;Oversee the development of scripts and talking points for Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations special events; write advancement-related messages and talking points for the division Vice President, University President, key volunteers, and event speakers as needed;Perform related duties as assigned; andWork occasional evenings and weekends for signature events and activities.Required Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or another relevant field, or equivalent combination of education and experience;Extensive experience of increasing responsibility in communications (generally 7+ years), preferably with some experience producing and directing digital communications (generally 5+ years), and some supervisory experience (generally 3+ years);Outstanding communication, writing, copyediting, and fact-checking skills with the ability to disseminate information to diverse audiences;Highly developed project management skills with a track record of meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality communication content;Demonstrated experience producing, managing, and updating digital communications (including websites, e-mail marketing, etc.);Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline and goal-oriented environment serving internal clients and external constituents, simultaneously balancing diverse responsibilities;Ability to produce high quality deliverables with attention to detail, metrics, and analytics;Ability to create and maintain productive and collegial working relationships with a culturally diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and visitors on a daily basis;Demonstrated experience working with desktop applications, databases, desktop publishing applications, reporting applications, networked information systems, and digital marketing products; andExcellent leadership, management, and interpersonal skills are required, as well as exceptional oral and written communications skills.Preferred Qualifications:Advanced degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or another relevant field;Prior experience in a large research university, higher education, non-profit ,or related setting;Knowledge of photography, video production, and digital publishing;Experience using Anthology, Salesforce, web content management systems, email campaigns, and online commerce activities; basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and InDesign; andSolid knowledge of fundraising, communications, marketing, and alumni relations principles within a higher education, non-profit, or similar environment.

For full consideration, applicants must apply at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, resume, a list of three professional references with contact information, and three writing samples of relevant work (listed as Other Docs).

"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."

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.