The George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School’s Development Office seeks a highly organized, energetic professional to serve as Associate Director of Development. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason’s academic and culturally inclusive environment.

About the Antonin Scalia Law School:

Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University is the law school of Northern Virginia and is strategically located in Arlington, VA, just two miles from downtown Washington, D.C. Scalia Law is a Top 50 law school, and the jewel in the university’s crown. A relatively young law school, Scalia Law is a unique phenomenon, accented by our steadfast commitment to a no-nonsense, interdisciplinary curriculum anchored by economic analysis. The close proximity to Washington is a big selling point, Law schools produce leaders, and Scalia Law does a better job of producing leaders because of its unique commitment to challenging the status quo. All Law students receive an outstanding legal education from a dedicated and distinguished faculty, all are taught to critically evaluate prevailing orthodoxy and pursue new ideas, and, ultimately, are well prepared to distinguish themselves in their chosen fields.

The Development and Alumni Relations office within Scalia Law aligns itself directly with the school’s mission and vision as well as that of the GMU’s Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations to heighten alumni engagement and philanthropic giving of Scalia Law alumni.

About the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations:

The Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations is responsible for all aspects of fundraising for George Mason University which includes the successful discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of all donors. Advancement’s mission is to build strong, lifelong relationships with George Mason University’s alumni and constituents, while matching their philanthropic interests with the university aspirations and priorities. The division is committed to serving the needs of the university, our alumni, and the greater community by providing access to quality education and lifelong learning. Respect, service, integrity, collaboration, diversity, transparency, and creativity are the values that guide our work and culture.

The Associate Director will be primarily responsible for overseeing annual giving, alumni relations, cultivation programming, and fundraising projects including the Leadership Giving Society, Loyalty Giving Society, Giving Day, third-party programming, and events. In addition, the Associate Director of Development will assist in generating support by managing 75 to 100 donors and prospects of Scalia Law. The Associate Director of Development will serve as a resource for faculty and leadership of Scalia Law in gift processing, alumni contact and engagement, and gift stewardship.

The Associate Director of Development will plan and implement a variety of strategies to raise funds from mid-and major donors. The Associate Director will assist in the creation of annual and strategic plans for fundraising, and in the implementation of the Scalia Law’s fundraising program. The position reports directly to the Assistant Dean for Development and Alumni Relations in the Scalia Law School.

• Secure financial support for the university by performing discovery work through one-on-one visits with annual fund and leadership annual giving donors, including upgrades of mid-level donors to major gift donors;
• Serve as the primary liaison with Mason annual giving office;
• Coordinate the overall annual giving program for Scalia Law;
• Assist in the management of an effective alumni relations program and evaluate projects to determine the most effective means to engage Scalia Law’s alumni;
• Oversee the strategy and program execution of the Leadership Giving Society including prospecting, soliciting, stewarding and recognizing donors. Plan special events for this group;
• Spearhead donor recognition events and societies in conjunction with the central donor relations team, and participating in fundraising events for major donors with the goal of donor engagement and support;
• Assist as needed in other Scalia Law development events, programs, and activities, some of which occur on evenings or weekends;
• Develop strategies to support the cultivation and solicitation of a portfolio of mid-and major prospects and donors;
• Maintain ongoing communications with prospects and donors through written correspondence and personal visits;
• Assist in managing, cultivating, and soliciting advisory board and volunteer leaders, as assigned;
• Meet or exceed metrics for visits, asks, and dollars raised, as determined by Central Advancement;
• Work with the Scalia Law’s departments to include donors in department-level events such as public lectures and seminars;
• Utilize data-driven reporting, engage and move alumni through engagement opportunities, individual appeals, recognition events, and advisory board work;
• Maintain accurate and timely records using University Development data management and reporting systems;
• Follow Mason policies and procedures, maintain files, and provide annual projections;
• Engage in other duties, as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Demonstrated success at face-to-face personal solicitation;
• Experience with Annual Giving;
• Experience planning donor-centered programming, projects, and events;
• Ability to work independently on a wide variety of tasks and is organized and self-motivated;
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills, be poised, confident, and proficient at engaging all types of volunteers and donors;
• Have an understanding of and appreciation for higher education institutional advancement;
• Ability to function as a positive and contributing member of both a small team focused on college development and communications and as a part of the larger university development operation;
• Experience with volunteer management;

• Master’s degree is preferred;
• Minimum of five (5) years is preferred, of prior fundraising experience in successfully cultivating and securing leadership level gifts;
• Previous experience with alumni, alumni boards, and advisory boards;
• Previous experience in higher education.

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.