Director of Volunteer Engagement and PhilanthropyThe George Mason University, Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations, invites qualified candidates to apply for a full-time Director of Volunteer Engagement and Philanthropy. 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:Under the direction of the Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations/GMUF President, this position works collaboratively with key volunteers, school leadership and faculty, Advancement staff, and other school representatives to engage, cultivate, solicit, and steward the Board members. This position develops and executes leadership engagement plans for each individual assigned to this portfolio, and also serves as the point of contact for all members' inquiries and facilitates engagement with appropriate University leadership, including developing, managing, and implementing a high-level strategy for the National Leadership Council. This position supports the University in identifying and implementing strategies for success in securing significant philanthropic support from and engagement of the Board of Trustees, Board of Visitors, and other high-level volunteer councils, including the President's Innovation Advisory Council (PIAC), National Leadership Council (NLC), and other leadership volunteer groups. This position is responsible for cultivating meaningful relationships with past, current, and potential Board of Trustee and Board of Visitor members while increasing engagement and giving. The Director of Volunteer Engagement and Philanthropy will manage a portfolio of Board members, and be responsible for facilitating all phases of the gift cycle, stewarding, and engaging members. The Director will also work collaboratively with key volunteers, school leadership and faculty, Advancement staff, and other school representatives to cultivate, solicit, engage, and steward the Board members.Duties Include:Working closely with the University President's Office, cultivates, engages, and stewards as appropriate members of the University's Board of Visitors;Under the direction of the GMUF President, cultivates, engages, and stewards Board of Trustees members;Implements strategies for communicating fundraising goals and objectives to Board members;Prepares agendas and meeting materials and the orientation of highly qualified new Board of Trustee members; provides oversight of committee membership and ensures that Board members are engaged in and knowledgeable about George Mason University;Initiates and builds ongoing relationships with current and prospective Board members to ensure engagement from members;Develops and executes leadership engagement plans for each Board member assigned to this portfolio;Serves as the point of contact for all Board member inquiries and facilitates engagement with appropriate University leadership;Develops, manages, and implements a high-level strategy for the National Leadership Council;Solicits assigned donor portfolio through face-to-face visits, including preparation of personalized materials;Proactively identifies, develops, and delivers engagement opportunities to Board members to ensure the maximization of their financial and non-financial support;Researches, develops, and writes funding proposals, appeal letters, and reports as required;Accountable for meeting or exceeding established fundraising goals and metrics, as determined and set by Central Advancement;Solicits and secures 6 and 7-figure major gifts from the assigned portfolio;Manages a budget ensuring that expenditures are in compliance, and expense reports are prepared and submitted as needed;Works with prospects to educate them on University priorities, and soliciting and closing outright and planned gifts;Effectively manages prospects through personal visits, correspondence, and electronic and telephone communication;Meets or exceeds metrics related to portfolio, visits, asks, and documentation, as set by Central Advancement;Is accountable for cultivating relationships of individual and organizational fundraising with a focus on retention, recapture, and growth;Builds trusting relationships with advancement colleagues, as well as deans, directors, prospects, donors, and volunteers; andBecomes immersed in the key strategies and initiatives of George Mason University.Required Qualifications:Master's degree in a related field, and demonstrated successful professional advancement and fundraising-related experience; or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skill, and abilities have been achieved;Must be entrepreneurial, goal-oriented, collegial, and collaborative while self-driven;Ability to work well with diverse groups of constituents and colleagues;Ability to collaborate, listen well, and take the lead in problem-solving and consensus-building;Demonstrated record of successful major gift solicitations and experience designing and executing donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies;Ability to respond quickly to changing business needs and priorities;Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and produce high-quality and compelling work products under tight deadlines;Ability to work with a high degree of flexibility in a highly-collaborative, fast-paced, goal-oriented environment;Excellent research, writing, and interpersonal communication skills;Have a creative approach to involve and solicit major donor prospects and possess the ability to motivate;Demonstrate sound judgment necessary for interacting with donors, prospects, trustees, faculty, and staff;Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and experience with documenting appropriate information in a donor management database system; andPossess a valid driver's license, the ability to travel independently, and ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.Preferred Qualifications:Minimum of seven years experience in major gifts fundraising, preferably in higher education;Experience managing, engaging, and developing philanthropic strategies for Board members or other high-level volunteers;Possess understanding and ability to articulate accomplishments and goals of a complex organization;Familiarity with CRM fundraising software; andDemonstrated experience with personnel management.

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."