Development Assistant

Department: Col of Visual and Performing Arts

Classification: Public Relations & Mktg Spec 2

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Manassas, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Pay Band: 03

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Restricted: Yes

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) is dedicated to advancing the study, creation, performance, and exhibition of the arts, acting on the strong belief in their transformative influence on individuals and societies. The College honors the values of great traditions in the arts while actively engaging in the creation of new works and ideas. This distinctive fusion of the academic and the professional, the campus and the community, the past and the present, defines the College as it engages new art forms, communities, and ways of working to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.

The Hylton Performing Arts Center (HPAC) stimulates and transforms the cultural and economic vitality of our region by presenting diverse performances and programs of high quality and artistic excellence to inspire, educate, enrich, and enhance the community. The Hylton Center’s vision is to nurture artistic excellence and engagement, as we strive to be the creative commons of this dynamic region, inspiring the community to express its voice by participating in the Center’s work as artists, audiences, and lifelong learners.

The Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations division is a comprehensive development and alumni relations enterprise with a staff complement of approximately 125 FTE. Functional units within Advancement 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.

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.

About the Position:

The Development Assistant is an integral member of the Development Team and provides administrative and operational support for the fundraising activities and programs related to the Hylton Performing Arts Center. This position supports campaign management, special events, communications, database management, gifts processing, donor recognition, committees, and the day to day operations of the Development Office.

Responsibilities:

Administrative:

• Serves as a forward-facing customer service team member for the department including greeting and directing guests and visitors, and responding to phone, mail, and email inquiries;
• Assists with department, committee, and donor meetings by preparing agendas and materials, reserving locations/rooms, managing A/V equipment, taking minutes, coordinating hospitality, and follow-up action items, when appropriate;
• Processes department vendor payments and reimbursement requests;
• Assists with creating presentations and documents for meetings;
• Maintains department calendars including events, key fundraising initiatives, and performances;
• Assists with maintaining and updating department and donor records;
• Conducts periodic data maintenance activities and maintains the accuracy and integrity of records, as it pertains to the Hylton Center;
• Prepares regular financial, campaign, and fundraising reports for department and executive leadership;
• Extracts and prepares mail and email lists; and
• Advises on department operational procedures.

Development Support:

• Maintains the department’s stewardship matrix and prepares donor acknowledgements for all gifts to Hylton Center funds;
• Serves as liaison to the marketing and communications team, managing the material review process and timelines on behalf of the development team;
• Serves as the department point person for all digital communications through Anthology;
• Assists in preparing, printing, and mailing materials for fundraising programs, activities, initiatives, and events;
• Provides assistance implementing specialized cultivation and solicitation strategies for major gift prospects and donors; and
• Provides planning and day-of support for donor and fundraising events.

Coordination with Central Advancement:

• Coordinates fundraising with other departments and utilizes services, as appropriate;
• Ensures consistent and adequate communication between school/unit and Central Advancement; and
• Works closely with Central Advancement services including, but not limited to, Planned Giving, Annual Giving, Parents and Family Philanthropy, University Priorities, Alumni Relations, Communications, Systems, Operations, Donor Relations, Gifts and Records, etc.

Other Related Duties as Assigned:

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Administrative experience (ideally 2+ years);
• Demonstrated experience working with colleagues and students from diverse backgrounds;
• Substantial knowledge of Windows, Microsoft Office software, web browsers, and email;
• Working knowledge of donor database, contact management, and tracking system;
• Verbal and written communication skills with the ability to listen and express ideas and thoughts effectively;
• Strong interpersonal skills necessary to build relationships with internal and external constituents;
• Attention to detail;
• Customer service orientation;
• Ability to interact positively with a wide range of constituencies in person, via telephone, email, and in writing;
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a small, highly efficient team;
• Ability to handle frequent interruptions and a fast-paced work environment;
• Must be proactive and creative;
• Commitment to adopting best practices and operational efficiency;
• Ability to manage multiple projects/functions to produce quality results;
• Ability to handle highly personal information and maintain confidentiality; and
• Ability to attend evening and weekend activities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field;
• Experience in higher education or nonprofit;
• Experience in and/or familiarity with the arts; and
• Familiarity with Banner, Salesforce, MicroStrategy, or similar software.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Development Assistant at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume.

Posting Open Date:  March 27, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  April 10, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes