Associate Vice President of Development; Schools​/Colleges

Overview

Associate Vice President of Development (Schools/Colleges) at George Mason University. The role supports the Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations in identifying and implementing strategies to secure significant philanthropic support. The Assoc VP oversees professional fundraising staff and co-manages the school/college development staff with Deans. The position reports to the Vice President for Advancement & Alumni Relations and is part of the senior management team.

This role may require non-routine hours and travel as necessary. Hybrid eligible work arrangement is available;
Sponsorship Eligibility:
Not eligible for visa sponsorship. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Department: Advancement and Alumni Relations
Classification: Administrative Faculty
Job Category: Administrative or Professional Faculty
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Fairfax, VA
Criminal Background Check: Yes

Open Date: September 22, 2025
For Full Consideration, Apply by: October 22, 2025
Open Until Filled: Yes

The University Advancement division is a comprehensive development and alumni relations enterprise with approximately 125 FTE. Functional units include development/fundraising, alumni relations, stewardship and donor relations, advancement communications, special events, gift processing, research, prospect management, gift planning, corporate and foundation relations, information systems and management, and infrastructure services. The division aims to build lifelong relationships with Mason’s alumni and constituents, aligning philanthropic interests with university priorities.

Core values include respect, service, integrity, collaboration, transparency, and creativity.

Supports the VP in securing significant philanthropic support for George Mason University. The Assoc VP oversees fundraising staff and co-manages school/college development staff with Deans. Reports to the VP for Advancement & Alumni Relations and is a member of the senior management team. Works with University leadership to translate priorities into fundraising initiatives, develops high-performing teams, and fosters strategic partnerships to grow the philanthropy program.

Ability to work non-routine hours and travel as needed.

• Manages Mason’s philanthropy program, including recruitment, orientation, mentoring and fundraising activities.
• Provides leadership and staff oversight for fundraising professionals.
• Coordinates development efforts with colleagues, Deans, unit directors, volunteers, administration and staff to solicit support for strategic priorities.
• Collaborates with the VP and Deans to develop plans, monitor progress toward goals, and increase fundraising effectiveness.
• Maintains positive relationships with unit leadership to ensure participation and effective reporting systems.
• Works on strategic planning with direct reports to establish performance goals and metrics.
• Manages a team of fundraising professionals and maintains a portfolio of prospects with multidisciplinary interests.
• Trains, coaches and mentors team members in best fundraising and operational practices.
• Fosters collaboration between academic leaders, units, and central fundraising services.
• Ensures adoption of strategic tools and resources (e.g., CRM, prospect management, research).
• Serves as a strategic partner to Advancement Operations in recruitment, retention, development, and engagement of staff.

• Builds and manages a portfolio focusing on major and principal gifts.
• Identifies, cultivates, solicits and steward donors for university priorities.
• Establishes long-term relationships and collaborates with administration, faculty and program staff to secure support.
• Maximizes support across all academic units and seeks six- to seven-figure gifts where appropriate.
• Provides donor stewardship and renewal of support; collaborates to build multidimensional donor relationships.
• Leads with alumni, parents, volunteers and staff to elevate gift strategies.

• Promotes and solicits…