Director, Development Communications & Donor Engagement

Socket.dev; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercatus Center at George Mason University seeks a Director of Development Communications to lead strategy, messaging, and content for donor engagement. You will partner with leadership, major gift officers, marketing, and design to translate complex policy and research into compelling donor communications.

Responsibilities include developing multi‑channel materials, coordinating with cross‑functional teams, and ensuring high standards of accuracy and timely delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and work experience.
• 5 or more years of professional experience in marketing, communications, fundraising, development communications, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing communications strategies.
• Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and storytelling skills.
• Experience translating complex ideas or technical subject matter into clear, compelling communications for varied audiences.
• Experience creating communications for donors, funders, executives, or other high‑priority stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal, collaboration, and relationship‑building skills.
• Strong judgment, attention to detail, initiative, and follow‑through.
• Ability to work effectively with senior leaders, subject‑matter experts, fundraisers, designers, and cross‑functional teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Experience with Salesforce, Canva, and email marketing platforms is a plus.
• Familiarity with policy, research, nonprofit, philanthropic, or mission‑driven organizations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead Development Communications Strategy: create and implement an overarching development communications strategy aligned with fundraising goals and priorities.
• Develop donor-focused messaging by translating policy, research, and organizational information into clear, donor-centered messaging.
• Create development communications products: newsletters, updates, annual appeals, donor reports, emails, and collateral.
• Provide copywriting and editorial support for major gift officers and development teams.
• Strengthen visual branding by collaborating with marketing and design to ensure polished, brand‑aligned communications.

Skills

Writing skills

Editing skills

Storytelling

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Communication with senior leaders

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Salesforce

Canva

Email marketing platforms

Job description

Mercatus Center at George Mason University seeks a Director of Development Communications to lead strategy, messaging, and content for donor engagement. You will partner with leadership, major gift officers, marketing, and design to translate complex policy and research into compelling donor communications.

Responsibilities include developing multi‑channel materials, coordinating with cross‑functional teams, and ensuring high standards of accuracy and timely delivery.