Head of Development Communications

Mercatus Center; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & dental coverage

Unlimited PTO

Disability & life insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Parking/travel benefits

George Mason University credits

Job summary

The Mercatus Center at George Mason University seeks a Director of Development Communications to lead strategy, craft donor-focused messaging, and oversee communications products for fundraising and engagement. You will collaborate with leadership, major gift officers, marketing, and design to translate policy work into compelling donor communications.

Reporting to the Vice President of Development, you will guide newsletters, annual reports, digital appeals, and high-value donor materials,

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.
• Develop Donor Focused Messaging.
• Create Development Communications Products.
• Provide Copywriting and Editorial Support.
• Strengthen Visual Branding.

Skills

Marketing communications

Writing & editing

Storytelling

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Salesforce

Canva

Email marketing platforms

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Mercatus Center at George Mason University seeks a Director of Development Communications to lead strategy, craft donor-focused messaging, and oversee communications products for fundraising and engagement. You will collaborate with leadership, major gift officers, marketing, and design to translate policy work into compelling donor communications.

Reporting to the Vice President of Development, you will guide newsletters, annual reports, digital appeals, and high-value donor materials,