Associate Director for Major Gifts

The George Mason University College of Humanities and Social Sciences invites applications for the position of Associate Director for Major Gifts. The Associate Director for Major Gifts serves on the College's Development team and is responsible for soliciting major gifts from alumni and friends of the College and the university.

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.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
* Work closely with the Dean and senior development staff to identify and solicit major gifts of $100,000 or more; * Build relationships with individual, corporate or foundation prospects with high giving capacities on behalf of the College and manage a portfolio of approximately 75 prospective donors by identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding these prospects/donors; * Work collaboratively with and in support of volunteers, other development staff, and members of the university community to cultivate and solicit donors; * Monitor all prospect contacts to ensure positive and purposeful prospect and donor relations and record these contacts in Advance; * In a confidential manner, involve College leadership and volunteers in solicitations, where appropriate; * Visit with 100 prospects a year, traveling to meet with major donor prospects both locally and nationally; * Articulate College priorities, including scholarships, fellowships, and academic programs; * Provide major gifts reports, as requested.

Required Qualifications: * Master's degree in a related field and demonstrated successful professional advancement and/or fundraising-related experience, preferably in higher education; or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skill and abilities have been achieved; * A demonstrated record of successful major gift solicitations and experience designing and executing donor identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies; * Excellent research, writing and 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 donor prospects, trustees, faculty and staff; * Confidence to reach out and speak to potential donors in person or on the telephone; * A creative approach to involve and solicit major donor prospects and possess the ability to motivate; * Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously and meeting continuous deadlines; * Experience with an entrepreneurial approach to fundraising; * Proficiency with Microsoft office suite and experience with a donor database; * A collaborative approach is important as is the ability to work well with colleagues.

Preferred Qualifications:
* Strong writing skills is important.

"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."