I. JOB OVERVIEW
| Job Description Summary: |
The Director of Development, Elliott School of International Affairs is an essential team member in supporting the philanthropic goals of the George Washington University Advancement Division and the Elliott School of International Affairs. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Development, this position serves as a lead fundraiser for the School and plays a key role in advancing the University's mission through the cultivation of philanthropic support. The Director serves as the primary relationship manager for a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, developing authentic and enduring partnerships with alumni, parents, friends, and other constituents that lead to transformational philanthropic support for the Elliott School and the university.
The Director manages a portfolio of approximately 120 major gift prospects and donors, developing and executing strategies for identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. Through meaningful engagement and donor-centered relationship building, the Director aligns philanthropic interests with institutional priorities and secures gifts of $50,000 and above, including gifts exceeding $1million. In addition to prospect visits within DC, Maryland, and Virginia, monthly travel will also be required to assigned geographic territories.
The Director partners with the Assistant Vice President, Dean, faculty, and University Advancement colleagues to execute fundraising strategies and advance philanthropic priorities for the Elliott School and the university. Working collaboratively across University Advancement, the Director helps strengthen donor engagement, expand philanthropic support, and advance strategic initiatives that support student success, faculty excellence, academic programs, research, and capital priorities.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Manage and advance a portfolio of approximately 120 major and principal gift prospects and donors.
- Build and sustain meaningful relationships with alumni, parents, friends, and other key constituents to deepen engagement and inspire philanthropic investment in the School and university.
- Develop and execute individualized donor strategies that move prospects through the donor lifecycle, from identification and qualification through solicitation and stewardship.
- Secure major, principal and planned gifts in support of institutional priorities, submitting 15 major gift proposals annually.
- Conduct approximately 12-15 prospect visits per month and maintain a high level of meaningful donor engagement activity.
- Partner with University Advancement and Elliott School leadership to align fundraising efforts with institutional priorities.
- Prepare prospect strategy materials and briefing documents for university leadership.
- Develop or assist with the creation of letters of support, concept papers, proposals and reports for funders on behalf of ESIA and faculty.
- Maintain proper documentation of fundraising activities in the database (CRM Advance) including strategies, correspondence, visits, proposals, and solicitation.
- Serve as a key liaison for the Elliott School's volunteer leadership groups - Board of Advisors, and IIEP, I/WE, and IERES Executive Circles.
- Collaborate closely with University Advancement partners to identify, qualify, and cultivate high-capacity prospects.
- Support campaign planning and other strategic fundraising initiatives for the School and university.
- Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
- Participate in Advancement-wide initiatives, committees, and working groups that strengthen fundraising effectiveness and donor engagement, staff and/or attend ESIA leadership meetings or other university-wide alumni events.
The successful candidate will demonstrate a proven record of securing major and principal gifts through effective donor identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. The Director will serve as a strategic fundraising partner within Advancement and contribute to team-wide overarching goals, initiatives and best practices.
The position will provide leadership, mentorship, and direct supervision for the Associate Director of Development, Elliott School of International Affairs position.
Performs other work-related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position. |
| Minimum Qualifications: |
Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 6 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Master's degree in a relevant area of study plus 4 years of relevant experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. |
| Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications: |
|
| Preferred Qualifications: |
- A minimum of six years of fundraising experience, with a track record of securing major gifts ($50,000 or higher) and experience in relationship management, preferably in a higher education setting is desired.
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal), a high degree of professionalism, flexibility, and the ability to be self-directed and take initiative.
- An advanced degree (preferred)
|
| Hiring Range |
$123,884.24 - $173,365.68 |
| GW Staff Approach to Pay |
How is pay for new employees determined at GW? |
Healthcare Benefits
GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits-programs. II. JOB DETAILS
| Campus Location: |
Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C. |
| College/School/Department: |
University Advancement |
| Family |
Dev & Alumni Relations |
| Sub-Family |
Major Gifts |
| Stream |
Individual Contributor |
| Level |
Level 4 |
| Full-Time/Part-Time: |
Full-Time |
| Hours Per Week: |
40 |
| Work Schedule: |
Monday - Friday 8-5 |
| Will this job require the employee to work on site? |
Yes |
| Employee Onsite Status |
Hybrid |
| Telework: |
Yes |
| Required Background Check: |
Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search |
| Special Instructions to Applicants: |
Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status |
| Internal Applicants Only? |
Yes (University Wide) |
| Posting Number: |
S014450 |
| Job Open Date: |
09/08/2026 |
| Job Close Date: |
09/11/2026 |
| If temporary, grant funded, Sponsored Project funded or limited term appointment, position funded until: |
|
| Background Screening |
Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire. |
| EEO Statement: |
The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law. |
|
George Washington University
Sep 08, 2026