Director of Development, Hylton Performing Arts Center

About the Department:

The College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) at George Mason University advances the study, creation, performance, and exhibition of the arts, grounded in the belief that the arts are essential to individual growth and the health of communities.
Mason Arts facilitates a shared pursuit of creative and academic discovery, inspiring lifelong engagement in the arts and fostering innovation in artistic practice, research, and community engagement.

The Hylton Performing Arts Center (Hylton Center) is a premier regional performing arts venue and community hub that presents diverse, high-quality artistic programming and education initiatives to inspire, educate, enrich, and enhance the community. The Center serves as a vital connector between university, artists, students, and the broader public, supporting access, participation, and cultural vitality.

About the Position:

The Director of Development serves as the chief development officer for the Hylton Performing Arts Center and a key member of both the Hylton Center and CVPA leadership teams. This position provides strategic leadership for all fundraising and philanthropic engagement efforts in support of artistic programming, education initiatives, student success, community partnerships, and long-term sustainability. The Director is responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive development strategy, including major and principal gifts, annual giving, alumni engagement, corporate and foundation relations, and campaign activities.

The position plays a central role in advancing Mason Arts’ strategic priorities by strengthening financial resources, expanding community engagement, supporting student and faculty success, and building a culture of philanthropy across the Hylton Center and CVPA. The Director manages a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects and works collaboratively with central Advancement, university leadership, advisory boards, and community stakeholders to secure philanthropic investment in the Center’s mission and vision.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Fundraising & Portfolio Management

• Develops and executes a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with Hylton Center and Mason Arts priorities;
• Manages a portfolio of 75–90 major and principal gift prospects with defined performance metrics;
• Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors, securing major ($25,000+) and principal ($1M+) gifts;
• Leads campaign planning and implementation in coordination with University Advancement;
• Develops compelling cases for support tied to artistic programming, education initiatives, student success, and community engagement;
• Coordinates donor strategies with leadership, faculty, and volunteers; and
• Tracks and reports fundraising activity and outcomes using CRM system.

External Relations & Community Engagement

• Serves as a key ambassador for the Hylton Center and Mason Arts;
• Builds relationships with donors, alumni, corporate partners, and community stakeholders;
• Advances community partnerships to expand access and engagement in the arts;
• Collaborates with advisory boards and volunteers to increase philanthropic support; and
• Represents the Center at events, performances, and donor engagements.

Supervision & Development Operations

• Supervises and mentors development staff, setting goals and performance expectations;
• Oversees development operations including annual giving, stewardship, and reporting;
• Ensures alignment with university policies and Advancement best practices; and
• Promotes collaboration, inclusion, and staff development.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field;
• Demonstrated success in fundraising with a record of major gift solicitations;
• Experience developing and executing fundraising strategies;
• Experience managing staff and multiple projects simultaneously;
• Knowledge of major gift fundraising strategies and donor lifecycle management;
• Knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in donor engagement and community outreach;
• Skill in building and sustaining relationships with diverse stakeholders;
• Skill in written and verbal communication, including proposal and case development;
• Skill in using CRM systems and data to track and analyze fundraising performance;
• Ability to align fundraising efforts with institutional mission and strategic priorities;
• Ability to lead teams, manage performance, and foster a collaborative work environment; and
• Valid driver's license: must currently possess an appropriate, active, valid motor vehicle operator’s license that meets all of GMU’s requirements for operating state vehicles and equipment under Mason’s Vehicle Use Policy 1411 https://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/policies/vehicle-use/. The Office of Risk Management reserves the right to review the driver’s licenses and Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) of all candidates selected with employment contingent upon a favorable review.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field;
• Significant experience (typically 7+ years) in advancement, preferably in higher education or the arts;
• Experience working with campaigns, boards, and volunteer leadership;
• Knowledge of fundraising in higher education and/or the performing arts;
• Knowledge of community engagement and partnership development;
• Skill in campaign planning and execution; and
• Ability to translate artistic and educational impact into compelling donor narratives.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Director of Development, Hylton Performing Arts Center at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent with Resume for review.

Posting Open Date: November 2, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by: November 16, 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes