George Washington University
Director of Donor Relations
George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Job Overview
The George Washington University's Division of University Advancement (UA) is seeking a strategic and experienced Director of Donor Relations. This role plays a pivotal part in fostering a culture of philanthropy and supporting GW's mission of excellence in education, research, scholarship, and patient care. University Advancement leads the university's fundraising and alumni engagement efforts. Our work focuses on cultivating meaningful connections with alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, corporations, foundations, patients, and friends of GW. The Director of Donor Relations will lead the execution of a comprehensive, university-wide donor relations program that enhances donors' engagement and long-term support at all levels of giving. Donor Relations is an umbrella term encompassing four main pillars: acknowledgment, stewardship, recognition, and engagement. The Director of Donor Relations will play a key role in developing and executing strategic activities across all four pillars, with a special emphasis on stewardship and reporting on the impact of philanthropic support. This position serves as a team leader dedicated to building strong relationships between donors and GW, ensuring that every donor feels valued, informed, and inspired to continue their support. This position provides trusted leadership and direction to university-wide stewardship and donor relations activities in service of a best‑in‑class donor experience. Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Lead a comprehensive donor reporting program for the university that communicates the impact of philanthropic support and provides critical operational support to acknowledgments, recognition, and engagement activities as directed and required.
Operational Leadership
Develop and execute timely, accurate, and meaningful donor relations activities, including customized impact reports, endowed faculty installations, and donor recognition and engagement events that demonstrate the value and impact of philanthropic contributions.
Data‑Driven Decision Making
Develop an annual donor reporting plan using data‑driven decision‑making and employ metrics and data analysis to allocate team resources strategically.
Campus‑Wide Coordination
Oversee implementation and development of university‑wide stewardship policies and procedures.
Team Management
Directly manage and mentor a team of donor relations professionals. Provide coaching and performance feedback, and oversee hiring and training to ensure a high‑performing and collaborative team environment.
Collaboration and Compliance
Partner with stakeholders across the university, such as AVPs, deans, faculty, financial aid offices, and program leaders to gather data and refine input provided into donor‑optimized formats while maintaining collegial and professional working relationships with all colleagues.
System Oversight
Oversee financial aid stewardship activities via the Blackbaud Award Management system GWay and work closely with the Director of Donor Fund Compliance and the Office of the Executive Vice President and Treasurer EVPT to maximize donor fund utilization in accordance with donor intent. Oversee all donor impact report production and communications using the Mythos platform online survey tool to deliver a digital‑first experience for donors and fund contacts.
Additional Duties
Perform other related duties as assigned. Flexibility is required as duties may evolve in response to organizational needs.
Minimum Qualifications
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. Preferred Qualifications
Advanced proficiency with fundraising software, donor databases, and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel). Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi‑phase projects and successfully meet tight deadlines. High degree of discretion and sensitivity when handling confidential donor information. Exceptional writing, editing, and interpersonal communication skills. Proven leadership and team management experience. Strong customer service orientation and ability to work collaboratively across departments. Experience engaging with major and leadership‑level donors. Special event planning experience desired. Office Suite (Word, Excel). Hiring Range
80,927.47 - 111,231.23 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. Job Details
Campus Location: Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C. College/School/Department: University Advancement Family: Dev & Alumni Relations Sub‑Family: Donor Relations Stream: Individual Contributor Level: Level 4 Full-Time/Part-Time: Full‑Time Hours Per Week: 40 Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 8:30am-5pm 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: No Posting Number: S013949 Job Open Date: 12/11/2025 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.
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The George Washington University's Division of University Advancement (UA) is seeking a strategic and experienced Director of Donor Relations. This role plays a pivotal part in fostering a culture of philanthropy and supporting GW's mission of excellence in education, research, scholarship, and patient care. University Advancement leads the university's fundraising and alumni engagement efforts. Our work focuses on cultivating meaningful connections with alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, corporations, foundations, patients, and friends of GW. The Director of Donor Relations will lead the execution of a comprehensive, university-wide donor relations program that enhances donors' engagement and long-term support at all levels of giving. Donor Relations is an umbrella term encompassing four main pillars: acknowledgment, stewardship, recognition, and engagement. The Director of Donor Relations will play a key role in developing and executing strategic activities across all four pillars, with a special emphasis on stewardship and reporting on the impact of philanthropic support. This position serves as a team leader dedicated to building strong relationships between donors and GW, ensuring that every donor feels valued, informed, and inspired to continue their support. This position provides trusted leadership and direction to university-wide stewardship and donor relations activities in service of a best‑in‑class donor experience. Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Lead a comprehensive donor reporting program for the university that communicates the impact of philanthropic support and provides critical operational support to acknowledgments, recognition, and engagement activities as directed and required.
Operational Leadership
Develop and execute timely, accurate, and meaningful donor relations activities, including customized impact reports, endowed faculty installations, and donor recognition and engagement events that demonstrate the value and impact of philanthropic contributions.
Data‑Driven Decision Making
Develop an annual donor reporting plan using data‑driven decision‑making and employ metrics and data analysis to allocate team resources strategically.
Campus‑Wide Coordination
Oversee implementation and development of university‑wide stewardship policies and procedures.
Team Management
Directly manage and mentor a team of donor relations professionals. Provide coaching and performance feedback, and oversee hiring and training to ensure a high‑performing and collaborative team environment.
Collaboration and Compliance
Partner with stakeholders across the university, such as AVPs, deans, faculty, financial aid offices, and program leaders to gather data and refine input provided into donor‑optimized formats while maintaining collegial and professional working relationships with all colleagues.
System Oversight
Oversee financial aid stewardship activities via the Blackbaud Award Management system GWay and work closely with the Director of Donor Fund Compliance and the Office of the Executive Vice President and Treasurer EVPT to maximize donor fund utilization in accordance with donor intent. Oversee all donor impact report production and communications using the Mythos platform online survey tool to deliver a digital‑first experience for donors and fund contacts.
Additional Duties
Perform other related duties as assigned. Flexibility is required as duties may evolve in response to organizational needs.
Minimum Qualifications
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. Preferred Qualifications
Advanced proficiency with fundraising software, donor databases, and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel). Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi‑phase projects and successfully meet tight deadlines. High degree of discretion and sensitivity when handling confidential donor information. Exceptional writing, editing, and interpersonal communication skills. Proven leadership and team management experience. Strong customer service orientation and ability to work collaboratively across departments. Experience engaging with major and leadership‑level donors. Special event planning experience desired. Office Suite (Word, Excel). Hiring Range
80,927.47 - 111,231.23 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. Job Details
Campus Location: Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C. College/School/Department: University Advancement Family: Dev & Alumni Relations Sub‑Family: Donor Relations Stream: Individual Contributor Level: Level 4 Full-Time/Part-Time: Full‑Time Hours Per Week: 40 Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 8:30am-5pm 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: No Posting Number: S013949 Job Open Date: 12/11/2025 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.
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