Engagement Officer

Posted on 01/27/2022

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA

The George Mason University, Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations is hiring two (2) Engagement Officers. Reporting to the Director of Development, the Engagement Officers are responsible for identifying engagement opportunities for Mason’s donors and alumni. This position will also be responsible for direct solicitations and meeting fundraising goals.

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 Department:

The Office of Annual Giving generates annual financial support for academic programs, student scholarships, and special campus initiatives. Funds are raised through telephone, direct mail, online, and micro-campaigns. Annual Giving is responsible for alumni donor participation, which is a campus priority.
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’s 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.
About the Position: 
The Engagement Officers will identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward our alumni, faculty/staff, parents, advocates, and investors. These positions will play a vital role in helping the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations achieve its engagement and fundraising goals. They will serve as liaisons to various Units throughout the University.
Responsibilities: 
  • Connects with individuals through email, social media, mailings, phone calls, and face to face meetings/events;
  • Manages a portfolio of alumni, faculty/staff, and parent constituents to encourage them to make an annual gift;
  • Solicits annual gifts between $500-$2,500 (Mid-Annual Giving levels);
  • Communicates the strategic vision of George Mason and our commitment to developing innovative programs to advance and support our students and graduates;
  • Works with unit advancement colleagues to communicate regularly in regard to referrals and results and to discover additional engagement opportunities throughout the year;
  • Identifies alumni and parent prospects for volunteer, advisory, and board roles;
  • Maintains awareness of University fundraising priorities (University and school/unit), alumni programs/events, and volunteer opportunities across the university, Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations, and within assigned School/Units;
  • Conducts interviews with all candidates who express interest in the directors at large positions during the GMU Alumni Association board election cycle;
  • Works with Units and the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations to help fill volunteer opportunities and leadership roles; and
  • As appropriate, assists with major alumni events.

Required Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required;
  • Demonstrated professional experience in sales, customer service, marketing, nonprofit organizations, recruitment or preferably in Higher Education;
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills;
  • Strong communication skills, including written and verbal;
  • Strong commitment and experience with providing quality customer service;
  • Strong organizational and time management skills;
  • Ability to be creative, engaging, adaptive, and resilient;
  • Technology and social media savvy;
  • Experience working with volunteers, preferably those serving on a board;
  • Ability to work with a diverse range of individuals; and
  • Strong commitment to cooperative teamwork.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Some volunteer management experience;
  • Strong affinity for George Mason University; and
  • 1-3 years’ experience with fundraising.

George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in both academics and research. Mason holds a top U.S. News and World Report “Up and Coming” spot for national universities and is recognized for its global appeal and excellence in higher education.

Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason’s diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.

If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!

George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition.

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.

To apply for this job please visit jobs.gmu.edu.