Associate Director of Development for Major Gifts

The George Mason University, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) is seeking an energetic professional to serve as Associate Director of Development for Major Gifts. 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.

Together with the Director of Development and members of the team, the Associate Director of Development for Major Gifts will plan and implement a variety of strategies to raise funds from major donors. The incumbent will be responsible for planning and executing a comprehensive and sustainable approach to fundraising for a variety of units within CHSS and obtaining financial support by identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding current donors and identifying new donor prospects.

In addition, this person will plan and implement donor relations and fundraising events for major donors, including on Alumni Weekend and Homecoming, with the goal of donor engagement and support as well as work with CHSS departments to include donors in department-level events such as public lectures and seminars. The Associate Director of Development will travel, as needed, to donor visits, major committee/volunteer meetings, and special events. Finally, it will be their responsibility to maintain accurate and timely records using University Development data management and reporting systems, follow Mason policies and procedures, maintain files, and provide annual projections.

The ideal candidate should be an experienced fundraiser who is self-motivated, independent, organized and a strategic-thinker. She/he needs to have confidence to reach out and speak to potential donors in person and on the telephone, excellent communication skills, verbal and written, and a creative approach to involve and solicit major donors. The successful candidate will be detail-oriented and have the ability to adapt to a fast-paced, multi-faceted, and dynamic organization. Finally, she/he should also have the ability to function as a positive and contributing member of a small team.

This position reports to the Director of Development of CHSS. The salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position is full-time and includes the full university benefits package.

Required Qualifications: * A Master's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience; * Significant experience, minimum of four years preferred, in major gifts fundraising ($25,000+ gifts); * Demonstrated success at face-to-face personal solicitation; * Excellent interpersonal communication skills; * Evidence of understanding, and the ability to articulate, the accomplishments and goals of a complex organization along with sound judgment skills necessary for interacting with alumni, donor prospects, trustees, faculty and staff; * Confidence to reach out and speak to potential donors in person or on the telephone; * Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously and meeting continuous deadlines; * A creative approach to involve and solicit major donor prospects and possess the ability to motivate; * Experience with an entrepreneurial approach to fundraising; * Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and experience with a donor database; and * An understanding of and appreciation for higher education institutional advancement.

Other Requirements: A valid driver's license.

"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."

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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/!

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