Strategic Development Director, Arts Center

Louisville Ballet; Manassas (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 all fundraising and engagement efforts in support of artistic programming and education initiatives.

The role requires strategic oversight of major and principal gifts, annual giving, alumni relations, corporate/foundation relations, and campaigns, with a focus on expanding community partnerships and student success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field.
• Proven success in fundraising with a record of 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.
• Ability to align fundraising efforts with institutional mission and strategic priorities.
• Ability to lead teams, manage performance, and foster a collaborative work environment.
• Valid driver's license: must currently possess an appropriate, active, valid motor vehicle operator's license that meets all of GMU's requirements for operating state vehicles and equipment under Mason's Vehicle Use Policy 1411.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes 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

Donor relations

Strategic planning

Staff management

Communication

CRM data analysis

Diversity, equity & inclusion

Proposal development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

George Mason University is seeking a Director of Development for the Hylton Performing Arts Center to lead all fundraising and engagement efforts in support of artistic programming and education initiatives.

The role requires strategic oversight of major and principal gifts, annual giving, alumni relations, corporate/foundation relations, and campaigns, with a focus on expanding community partnerships and student success.