Chief Development Officer, Arts Center

George Mason University; Fairfax (VA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

George Mason University is seeking a Director of Development for the Hylton Performing Arts Center to lead comprehensive fundraising, major gift campaigns, and donor relations. The role drives annual giving, alumni engagement, and foundation partnerships to sustain arts programming and student success.

TheDirector will manage a 75-90 gift prospect portfolio, collaborate with university leadership, and ensure data-driven stewardship and reporting while aligning with Mason Arts’ strategic

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising with major gift solicitations.
• Experience developing and executing fundraising strategies.
• Experience managing staff and multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of major gift fundraising strategies and donor lifecycle management.
• Knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in donor engagement and community outreach.
• Skill in building and sustaining relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Skill in written and verbal communication, including proposal and case development.
• Skill in using CRM systems and data to track and analyze fundraising performance.

Responsibilities

• Develops a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with Hylton Center and Mason Arts priorities.
• Manages a portfolio of 75-90 major and principal gift prospects with defined performance metrics.
• Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors, securing major ($25,000+) and principal ($1M+) gifts.
• Leads campaign planning and implementation in coordination with University Advancement.
• Develops compelling cases for support tied to artistic programming, education initiatives, student success, and community engagement.
• Coordinates donor strategies with leadership, faculty, and volunteers; and
• Tracks and reports fundraising activity and outcomes using CRM system.

Skills

Fundraising

Major gifts

Portfolio management

Donor engagement

CRM proficiency

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

George Mason University is seeking a Director of Development for the Hylton Performing Arts Center to lead comprehensive fundraising, major gift campaigns, and donor relations. The role drives annual giving, alumni engagement, and foundation partnerships to sustain arts programming and student success.

TheDirector will manage a 75-90 gift prospect portfolio, collaborate with university leadership, and ensure data-driven stewardship and reporting while aligning with Mason Arts’ strategic