Assistant Vice President of Development and Constituent Engagement

Assistant Vice President of Development and Constituent Engagement

The George Washington University Law School

Washington, District of Columbia

THE SEARCH         

The George Washington University Law School (GW Law, Law School) seeks an experienced, strategic, and aspirational fundraising leader to serve as the assistant vice president of development and constituent engagement (AVP). A critical partner to the dean of GW Law, Dayna Bowen Matthew, the AVP will lead and oversee the fundraising and engagement efforts for GW Law and develop and implement a strategic advancement program positioning the Law School for continued and future fundraising success. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced individual with a proven track record to partner with a dynamic, ambitious, and inspiring dean to build and strengthen the systems, strategies, and practices to support a best-in-class development and constituent engagement program at one of the top law schools in the United States.

The AVP will join The George Washington University (GW) at a transformative moment with an upcoming comprehensive campaign that will be the most ambitious in GW history. These efforts and aspirations build upon the exciting arrival of GW’s new president, Dr. Ellen Granberg, in 2023. The Law School is one of the largest schools at The George Washington University, with a robust and highly dedicated alumni and volunteer constituency.

Reporting to the associate vice president, schools and academic units, the AVP will manage a team of 12, including three direct reports, across major gifts, leadership and annual giving, affinity, and reunion giving, stewardship, and alumni relations. Through strategic program development, the AVP will build upon successive years of growth to broaden the base of philanthropic support, increasing the total number of donors, engaged alumni, contributions for faculty research, specialty programs and centers, student scholarships, and other top priorities that align with the Law School’s strategic plan. Action-oriented and data-driven, the AVP will guide and support the dean in her role as chief spokesperson and fundraiser for the Law School and serve as a thought partner, co-strategist, mentor, and coach. As a critical member of the GW Law senior leadership team and liaison to the central development and alumni relations program, the AVP will collaborate with peers and leaders across the Law School and university to advance unit and institutional priorities, creating a culture of philanthropy and repeat giving.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent strategic vision and at least 7 to 10 years of relevant professional experience, preferably in a campaign setting in a complex research university and/or professional school. The AVP must have the ability to build and enhance a comprehensive advancement program, fully leveraging key constituencies in philanthropic efforts and guiding the strategy to create a lasting impact for GW law. The ideal candidate will possess a keen understanding of fundraising best practices and will be data-oriented in their approach to program and staff management, and developing vision, goals, and buy-in. The AVP must have the demonstrated experience to motivate, mentor, and leverage a team’s existing capacity to strengthen performance and achieve new levels of success. The ideal candidate will possess the credibility, maturity, and sophistication to effectively engage with senior leaders and diverse groups of internal and external constituents, including advisory councils and volunteers. Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, political savvy, flexibility, and cultural agility to navigate a complex academic community will be essential. In addition, candidates must demonstrate a deep appreciation for and an ability to articulate the educational mission and aspirations of GW and GW Law. A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree in a related field is preferred.

The annual salary range for this position is $159,858 - $268,505. The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, expertise, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring range represents GW’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

The George Washington University has retained the services of Jack Gorman of Isaacson, Miller, the national executive search firm, to conduct the search. Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed to the search firm: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/george-washington-university-law-school/assistant-vice-president-development-and

The George Washington University is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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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