Director of DevelopmentAs George Mason University embarks on a historic comprehensive campaign, it seeks multiple Directors of Development to serve as fundraising officers for select Schools/Colleges, among other searches. Selected candidates will be responsible for all activities related to the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of annual, major, and planned gifts from alums, parents, friends, and institutions.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, 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.About the Position:The Director collaborates closely with the central University Advancement team, which provides resources, strategic counsel, and uniform metrics to help drive results within the schools and across the University. The Director counsels the Dean of the School/College and faculty on advancement matters, sets the philanthropic strategy annually, and helps to organize and set the School/College's philanthropic priorities to maximize external support.Responsibilities:The Director will develop fundraising priorities and strategies, and work to ensure the activities are an intrinsic part of the annual and long-term strategic planning and goal-setting for the School/College. In addition, it will be crucial for the Director to manage the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors and prospects with the potential to make major gifts to the priorities of the School/College while seeking to build a culture of philanthropy within the School/College itself. George Mason University's upcoming campaign will require a leader who can map out and execute a campaign strategy focusing on engaging diverse alumni and securing resources for strategic priorities.Required Qualifications:Master's degree or equivalent combination of education and related work experience;Significant professional fundraising experience with major gifts and foundation, individual and corporate prospect identification, solicitation, and cultivation;Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously and meeting continuous deadlines;Proven track record of building excellent donor relationships and closing five+ figure gifts;Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills to establish and maintain good working relationships within all organizational levels and with outside constituencies;Ability to set clear direction and priorities for development personnel. Promote excellence through well-defined and measurable goals. Lead by example; foster a work environment that recognizes and rewards personal and team-based efforts;Ability to recruit, retain, actively mentor and train a diverse staff, providing opportunities for professional learning and growth, including DEI competencies;Ability to organize, train, and utilize committees of volunteers, individual volunteers, and appropriate personnel to assist in accomplishing specific program goals and objectives;Ability to serve as a fundraising consultant and advisor to school/college personnel, as necessary and appropriate;Advanced analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills;Demonstrated ability to make cold calls and develop cultivation and solicitation strategies;Highly effective organizational skills. Detail-oriented self-starter with a demonstrated ability to work independently and manage more than one project simultaneously to meet deadlines;Ability to work well with diverse groups of constituents/colleagues as a team member and as a leader in a complex organizational environment;Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; andAbility to think and plan strategically.Preferred Qualifications:Seven years of professional fundraising experience securing private support for a university or service organization;Demonstrated ability to plan and successfully execute a significant comprehensive campaign;Two years of supervisory experience with demonstrated success;Proven track record of building excellent donor relationships and closing 6+ figure gifts;Experience leading a team involving different phases of advancement, including communications, special events, and alum relations;Experience working with advisory council members and other volunteers;Knowledge of development information systems, preferably Salesforce; andExperience with Microsoft Excel and Outlook or equivalent e-mail systems.For a more detailed description of the opportunity, please visit: https://diversifiedsearchgroup.com/search/gmu-senior-directors-of-development/Review of application materials will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Candidates are encouraged to consider all roles applicable to their interest and experience and are welcome to identify specific Colleges/Schools of interest if desired.

All requests for information, written nominations, confidential inquiries, and all application materials should be directed in confidence to:Susan VanGilder, Managing DirectorKenna Boyd, Managing AssociateStorbeck Searchgmudirectordevelopment@storbecksearch.comFor 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."