Employment Opportunities

Development Manager

Position Title: Development Manager
Reporting Supervisor: Executive Director
Location: Gunston Hall, Mason Neck, Virginia
Length of Appointment: Year Round
Status: Exempt-Full Time
Compensation: Based on Qualifications
Benefits: Eligible for medical (including dental and vision), retirement, life insurance, access to an employee assistance program, professional development days, and paid vacation and sick days.

Purpose:

George Mason’s Gunston Hall is seeking an aspirational, energetic, and collaborative individual to serve as the organization’s full-time Development Manager. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Manager is responsible for all aspects of development and fundraising at Gunston Hall. This work includes cultivating and soliciting gifts, stewarding relationships with donors and prospects, administrative support of all development department functions, and coordinating strategic fundraising initiatives. In performing these duties, the Development Manager is expected to demonstrate a commitment to relationships, organization, accuracy, confidentiality, detail, the ability to meet deadlines, the ability to work as part of a high functioning team, exemplary communication and diplomatic skills, and a passion for the mission of Gunston Hall.

Additionally, Gunston Hall is currently implementing a comprehensive fundraising campaign. Guided by the theme of Forever Revolutionary!, this campaign will directly support the realization of key elements of our Campus Master Plan, enhance our ability to fulfill our mission, and advance our brand promise of being The Home of American Rights. The Development Manager, while working closely with the Campaign Leadership Committee, will be an active leader and participant in this Campaign.

To be successful in this position, the Development Manager must value authenticity, inclusiveness, stewardship, and civic engagement. The Development Manager should bring a positive attitude to their work and promote good will and wellness within the organization. Finally, the Development Manager should be an enthusiastic and willing learner, one who is committed to their own development and growth, and one who is passionate about facilitating the success of their colleagues.

Compensation will be based on qualifications. Performance will be evaluated based on the achievement of team and individual goals specific to the requirements of the position.

Additional benefits of employment at Gunston Hall include:

  • The opportunity to collaborate with a creative team of individuals committed to the organization, our mission, and to each other’s success.
  • Opportunities to experience 554 acres along the Potomac River.
  • An organizational commitment to wellness and personal fulfillment.
  • Access to comprehensive professional development programs.
  • The ability to create flexible work experiences.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Support and participate in the organization’s comprehensive fundraising campaign, annual giving solicitations, and associated activities.
  • Process donations and prepare acknowledgement letters and other correspondence.
  • Gather and maintain foundation, corporation, and individual donor files.
  • Create regular fundraising reports and other database reports as needed.
  • Continually update and correct database records.
  • Conduct research and write donor profiles on prospective corporate, foundation, individual, and other potential donors.
  • Manage Gunston Hall’s sponsorship and membership program.
  • Coordinate production and mailing of annual appeal letters, the Annual Report, donor recognition signage and associated materials.
  • Assist with tasks related to grant proposals and reports.
  • Assist with event planning, execution and follow-up including the maintenance of guest lists, gathering and preparation of registration materials, sponsorship fulfillment, and other duties as assigned for fund-raising events.
  • Handle administrative details associated with the Board of Regents Development Committee meetings (i.e. prepare and distribute notices, agendas, minutes, etc.).
  • Support strong relationships with all donors, members, prospects, and stakeholders.
  • Administrative and other duties as assigned.

Other Responsibilities:

  • Support strong relationships with members of the Gunston Hall Board of Regents; The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA); and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
  • Serve as a representative of the organization and articulate Gunston Hall’s mission and goals for a wide range of audiences.

We are seeking an individual with the following attributes:

  • Demonstrated success in diverse and vibrant settings.
  • Exceptional attention to detail, organizational, and data management skills.
  • Exemplary communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to recognize and navigate donor needs and sensitivities.
  • Ability to organize and prioritize work, and to work independently or as a unified team for organizational excellence.
  • Ability to achieve goals, manage projects, and meet targeted deadlines.
  • Experience creating comprehensive, usable, and data driven reports.
  • Experience providing and supporting exemplary guest service.
  • A positive attitude, energetic personality, motivational spirit, and creatively open mind.
  • A commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
  • A commitment to excellence.

Qualifications for this position include:

  • A Bachelor’s degree and a record of progressive experience within a non-profit development office and/or cultural organization, museum, or historic site is preferred.
  • Experience with Donor Perfect or comparable fundraising software is preferred.
  • Experience with public-private partnerships is preferred.
  • A passion for the mission of Gunston Hall is preferred.

About George Mason’s Gunston Hall:

The mission of Gunston Hall is to stimulate the exploration and understanding of principles expressed by George Mason in the 1776 Virginia Declaration of Rights. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and a National Historic Landmark, Gunston Hall was built by George Mason from 1755-1759. Today, the site includes Gunston Hall; reconstructed outbuildings; a visitor center, museum, event facility, and museum shop; and 554 acres of diverse landscape situated along the Potomac River in Fairfax County, Virginia. For more information, please visit www.gunstonhall.org.

Application Process:
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Mark S. Ingrao, CCP, CAE, Interim Executive Director, at [email protected].

Gunston Hall is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion. Qualified individuals who bring diverse perspectives and a wide range of experiences to the workplace are encouraged to apply.

Guest Engagement Associate

Part time/Full Time: Part Time
Wage: $16
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt

Gunston Hall is pleased to announce an opening for a part-time guest engagement associate at an unparalleled historic site on scenic Mason Neck in Fairfax County, Virginia.  In addition, Gunston Hall’s vast grounds and an inside rental space act as a historic venue available for private events including but not limited to: weddings, meetings, conferences, celebratory life events, and 2-3 large scale festival type programs. A 550 sq. ft. Museum Shop is located in the Visitor Center. The shop sells a wide range of items for guests to purchase daily.

Guest Engagement Associates are responsible for:

50% – Visitor Services

  • Greet visitors and orient them for a positive experience at Gunston Hall, including selling tickets
  • Answer telephones and direct calls to appropriate staff members as necessary
  • Keep accurate admissions records and reconcile sales at the end of each day
  • Create a welcoming environment for all staff and volunteers
  • Ensure that the Visitor Center and restrooms are ready for guests during open hours
  • Support administrative work of programs and private events
  • Promote and share information about public programs and special events
  • Book tours and maintain tour schedule
  • Provide engaging, interactive, and informative tours of Gunston Hall for all ages
  • Impart key messages about George Mason and the Virginia Declaration of Rights
  • Maintain general knowledge about Gunston Hall, the founding period, George Mason, and the Virginia Declaration of Rights
  • Foster continuing conversation with visitors throughout their experience at Gunston Hall

30% – Private Event Experiences

  • Greet private event guests and orient them for a positive experience at Gunston Hall
  • Create a welcoming environment for all event attendees
  • Book private event appointments
  • Ensure that the Visitor Center and restrooms are ready for guests during event hours
  • Enforce food and drink standards in the gallery spaces for event guests
  • Provide setup support for private events – ability to lift 25lbs

20% – Other Duties as Assigned

  • Employee will work public programs when requested
  • Employee will undertake additional tasks to support the day-to-day and special operations of the museum when requested
  • Monitor the museum exhibitions in the visitor center
  • Assist with the opening and closing of the visitor center gallery spaces (unlocking/locking doors, turning lights on and off, resetting gallery hands on spaces, raising and lowering the flags)

This position reports to the Guest Engagement Manager.

Preferred Qualifications and Abilities for this Position Include:

  • A Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent, or previous work-related experience
  • Excellent customer service and communication skills
  • Responsibility and trustworthiness
  • Ability to use a POS system
  • The ability to lift up to 25lbs.
  • Ability to work with staff of other departments and outside professionals
  • Knowledge of basic office procedures and equipment such as computers, telephone systems, audio-visual equipment, and cash registers
  • Ability to maintain an electronic calendar in order to schedule events;
  • Ability to multi-task

An ideal candidate will be able to work both weekday and weekends, and should expect to work a regular, but flexible schedule of days and times, including holidays. This is an hourly (wage) position, earning $16. It does not have health insurance, retirement or paid leave.

Gunston Hall is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion.  Qualified individuals who bring diverse perspectives and a wide range of experiences to the workplace are encouraged to apply.

If you need assistance in applying for this position, please contact Britt Fiocca, Guest Engagement Manager, at [email protected]

To apply please submit a cover letter and resume online at https://www.jobs.virginia.gov or https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/jobs/guest-engagement-associate-w0004-fairfax-county-virginia-united-states

Contact Information
Name: Debbie Wyatt-Smith
Phone: 804-225-2007
Email: [email protected]