Assistant Director of Development, College of Visual and Performing Arts
Assistant Director of Development, College of Visual and Performing Arts
The George Mason University College of Visual and Performing Arts, seeks qualified applicants for an Assistant Director of Development. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in building an annual fundraising pipeline and meeting annual revenue goals. The ideal candidate should understand the donor engagement process and have experience partnering with major gifts units in identifying annual donors with potential for major giving. The ideal candidate will have the ability to work independently on a wide variety of tasks and is organized and self-motivated.
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 College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) is dedicated to advancing the study, creation, performance, and exhibition of the arts, acting on the strong belief in their transformative influence on individuals and societies. The College honors the values of great traditions in the arts while actively engaging in the creation of new works and ideas. This distinctive fusion of the academic and the professional, the campus and the community, the past and the present, defines the college as it engages new art forms, communities, and ways of working to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.
Reporting to the Director of Development, College of Visual and Performing Arts, the Assistant Director of Development is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and growth of the College’s donors, and will assist in the creation and implementation of annual and strategic plans for the College’s fundraising program.
The Assistant Director of Development will primarily be responsible for generating support by managing a portfolio of donors and prospects of the College for the purpose of fundraising for the School of Dance, Dewberry School of Music, School of Theater, and Film at Mason.
Responsibilities:
- Fundraising with a focus on the School of Dance, Dewberry School of Music, School of Theater, and Film at Mason solicit annual gifts, Annual Leadership Gifts, and Endowment Level gifts;
- Collaborate with the Director of Development and University Annual Fund Team to improve annual giving outcomes;
- Maintain a portfolio of prospects, meeting or exceeding required Advancement metrics;
- Achieve or surpass fundraising dollar amount set by Advancement metrics;
- Assist in the timely processing of all gifts to the College;
- Adhere to Advancement Metrics and Expectations with regards to visits, asks, documentation, and goals;
- Ensure that the College’s donors are included in university-wide stewardship programs including Presidents Circle, Annual Scholarship Dinner, and annual Stewardship Reports;
- Serve as resource to faculty and administration;
- Maintain and build a supportive and effective relationship with the Friends of Music at Mason, Friends of Theater at Mason, the Dance Partnership Council, and Film Advisory Board;
- Assist the FOTM, FOMM, Dance Partnership Council, and Film at Mason volunteer efforts through volunteer leadership management and working with members of the board and councils on various events and activities to assist these groups in meeting the goals of financially supporting the academic programs, primarily with scholarship support, and acting as ambassadors for these programs in the community at large;
- Perform thank you and stewardship visits to engage and cultivate annual donors encouraging future giving;
- Steward donors to the Schools of Dance, Theater and Music, by coordinating the stewardship activities and ensuring recognition of these donors;
- Adhere to Advancement and Alumni Relations metrics and goals;
- Maintain accurate and timely records using appropriate software and follow Mason and GMUF policies and procedures. Track personal prospect contacts (face to face visits, phone calls, and e-mails), of all donations, and run reports and conduct analysis on progress to goal for the College’s fundraising;
- Assist as needed in University and College development events, programs and activities, many of which occur on weekends and evenings; and
- Attend the College and University events and activities occurring before and after traditional business hours.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of training/experience required;
- Fundraising experience in either a higher education or a complex non-profit setting;
- Demonstrated success in working with volunteers and membership development;
- Demonstrated writing, organizational, and interpersonal skills;
- Ability to prioritize tasks and make decisions;
- Ability to motivate others, work effectively as part of a team, with volunteers, and donors, demonstrable organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to adapt in a fast-paced, multi-faceted, and dynamic organization; and
- Proficient with MS Office Suite, and Fundraising systems including CRM’s, Reporting and Research.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in an Arts related field preferred;
- Arts background or knowledge preferred;
- Experience working in a complex fundraising office (generally 3+ years);
- Knowledge and experience in the donor engagement process (moves management);
- Experience planning and executing cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising events;
- Experience in creating and producing fundraising reporting systems;
- Experience engaging and managing the efforts of volunteer groups; and
- Experience using Salesforce, Microstrategy, or IModules/Anthology software systems.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
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.
Equity Statement:
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.