Director of Development

Director of Development

Req #: 10000516

About the Department:

The University Libraries form an intellectual nexus for George
Mason University. The Libraries foster innovation, creativity, and
imagination by facilitating access to scholarship and information,
providing expert consultation in the research process, and actively
teaching the effective and critical use of information. The
Libraries also fulfill a critical role in the creation,
dissemination, and preservation of knowledge. The Libraries’
development program supports the University’s strategic goals and
plan by building strong, lifelong relationships with George Mason
University’s donors and constituents, while matching their
philanthropic interests with the Libraries’ aspirations and
priorities. We are committed to advancing diversity, equity, and
inclusion in our workplace, as well as in the systems and services
we build, as an inclusive excellence imperative.

About the Position:

The Director of Development is responsible for designing and
implementing a comprehensive development program for the University
Libraries. The program incorporates both capital and annual
fundraising, with an emphasis on major individual and planned
gifts. This position engages in corporate and foundation
fundraising, directs grant submissions/solicitations, and provides
budgetary administration of funds received through grants. As a
constituent development officer in the university, the Director of
Development coordinates all library development activities and
major library donor events with the Dean of Libraries and
University Librarian, the Office of University Advancement and, as
required, with the George Mason University Foundation, Inc. The
Director participates in committees and/or workgroups as required
to share knowledge, develop best practices, and advance the work of
the Libraries.

Responsibilities:

• Works closely with the Dean of Libraries and University
  Librarian as an advisor on all aspects of fundraising for the
  George Mason University Libraries, including maintaining a personal
  portfolio and supporting the University’s Comprehensive Fundraising
  Program;
• Plans, organizes, and directs programs to secure major monetary
  gifts to the Libraries by pursuing the identification,
  qualification, cultivation, solicitation, recognition, and
  stewardship of private financial support from individuals,
  corporations, and foundations;
• Serves as the point person for Libraries fundraising and, as
  such, actively manages prospects capable of making major gift
  commitments over multiple years. Solicitations ranging from five-
  to eight-figure requests will be a significant component of the
  position;
• Executes solicitation plans in close collaboration with the
  Dean of Libraries and University Librarian and in coordination with
  Central Advancement;
• Develops detailed strategies and a pipeline for major gift
  prospects and pursues goals on a monthly, quarterly, and annual
  basis, in concert with Central Advancement and Alumni
  Relations;
• Maintains an active schedule of face-to-face meetings and other
  forms of communication with active prospects;
• Coordinates the efforts of those who can assist in fundraising
  and works with offices across campus to coordinate related
  activities that further the University’s mission and achieve
  fundraising goals. Finds new and creative ways to engage donors
  that will enrich the donor experience and add value to the academic
  life of the University. Meets or exceeds all metrics and
  expectations set by Central Advancement;
• Travels as necessary for donor outreach and cultivation;
• Displays good judgment and confidentiality;
• Assists with recruitment of a group of key fundraising
  volunteers through the Library Advisory Board;
• Stewards donors through ongoing communications, endowment
  reporting, recognition activities, and invitations to major
  events;
• Supports the Libraries’ development publications and
  communications materials for donors and other external
  audiences;
• Responsible for planning and coordinating major library events
  related to fundraising;
• Coordinates fundraising with Central Advancement and utilizes
  services as appropriate;
• Ensures consistent and adequate communication between the
  Libraries and Central Advancement;
• Works closely with Central Advancement services including, but
  not limited to, Planned Giving, Annual Giving, Parents and Family
  Philanthropy, University Priorities, Alumni Relations,
  Communications, Systems, Operations, Donor Relations, and Gifts and
  Records;
• Supports Libraries’ efforts to secure grants from government
  agencies and other organizations in collaboration with library
  staff and in coordination with University Advancement and Office of
  Sponsored Programs;
• Maintains awareness of academic research library grant
  opportunities as they become available;
• Supports the budgetary administration of grants received both
  through the George Mason University Foundation as well as those
  received by the Office of Sponsored Programs; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field;
• Demonstrated success in major gifts fundraising, with a proven
  track record of cultivating and closing gifts of $100,000+;
• Experience handling multiple, complex fundraising activities
  and coordinate solicitation strategies in a decentralized
  environment;
• Experience with fundraising software and donor databases;
• Extensive knowledge of fundraising strategies and
  principles;
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and administrative
  skills;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; ability to
  work collaboratively with colleagues, Board members, and
  volunteers;
• Ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with
  stakeholders, supporters, and others;
• Ability to secure new sponsorships and build successful
  long-term relationships with current supporters; and
• Ability to exercise discretion when dealing with confidential
  and donor information.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field;
• Experience fundraising in an academic research library and/or
  higher education setting;
• Experience working with and on capital campaign(s);
• Experience working with senior level executives; and
• Knowledge of online fundraising techniques.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for
Director of Development at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and
submit the online application; and provide a cover letter, resume,
and a list of three professional references with contact
information.

Open Until Filled?:  Yes

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.