Executive Director, Research and Relationship Management The George Washington University | Washington, District of Columbia The George Washington University (GW) seeks a proactive, collaborative, creative, and strategic advancement services and operations professional to serve as the executive director, research and relationship management (executive director). Reporting to and partnering closely with GW’s assistant vice president (AVP) of strategic advancement solutions, the executive director will lead the research and relationship management (RRM) cohort, creating and implementing a strategic vision for development and alumni relations’ proactive and reactive research services and relationship management system. Critically, the executive director will serve as a key leader in establishing the strategic plan for the RRM programs in the context of a two-year CRM conversion and the planning and implementation of the most ambitious comprehensive campaign in GW history.The executive director is responsible for the vision, strategy, and leadership of GW’s development and alumni relations (DAR) RRM programs and will create and implement a formal vision for prospect development. Acting as a critical partner and trusted advisor, the executive director will collaborate closely with leadership and staff across DAR and will build and enhance key relationships with team members and internal clients. The executive director will proactively identify and implement creative solutions to complex challenges while developing and providing best-in-class services. They will lead the development of best practices, policies, procedures, and protocols for all research and relationship management activities to orchestrate success and realize DAR’s ambitious goals and aspirations. The executive director will establish the strategic vision and direction for the RRM cohort, build and hone each program, and effectively manage, empower, and inspire RRM staff in the pursuit of a world-class prospect development program. The ideal candidate will possess at least 10 years of relevant professional experience, preferably in a complex research university environment. The executive director must have a comprehensive understanding of the development cycle and a depth of expertise in best-practice prospect development and research. Working knowledge of all major advancement functions is preferred, including how prospect development supports these areas. The ideal candidate will be an effective, confident manager who will empower team members, break down silos, build and maintain a cohesive, positive environment, and lead with high emotional intelligence. GW seeks a candidate with superior project management skills, the ability to work in a dynamic and demanding environment, and the ability to triage competing priorities. The executive director must be solutions-oriented and have experience identifying, evaluating, and recommending strategies for complex problems. The ideal candidate must demonstrate the credibility, maturity, and sophistication to effectively engage with executive leaders across DAR and diverse groups of internal clients, including gift officers, provosts, the president’s office, and the vice president for DAR. The executive director must possess proficiency in Apra’s Body of Knowledge and AASP’s Best Practices and the ability to manage highly sensitive information with a high degree of judgment and discretion. Extraordinary communication and negotiation skills, political savvy, flexibility, and cultural agility to navigate a complex academic community will be essential to success. In addition, candidates must demonstrate a deep appreciation for, and an ability to articulate, the educational mission and aspirations of GW. A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.The annual salary range for this position is $104,536-$151,518. 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. Jack Gorman is leading this search with Bryce Ervin and Ryan Cheung. APPLY NOMINATE contact Bryce Ervin Full Description
The George Washington University (GW) seeks a proactive, collaborative, creative, and strategic advancement services and operations professional to serve as the executive director, research and relationship management (executive director). Reporting to and partnering closely with GW’s assistant vice president (AVP) of strategic advancement solutions, the executive director will lead the research and relationship management (RRM) cohort, creating and implementing a strategic vision for development and alumni relations’ proactive and reactive research services and relationship management system. Critically, the executive director will serve as a key leader in establishing the strategic plan for the RRM programs in the context of a two-year CRM conversion and the planning and implementation of the most ambitious comprehensive campaign in GW history.The executive director is responsible for the vision, strategy, and leadership of GW’s development and alumni relations (DAR) RRM programs and will create and implement a formal vision for prospect development. Acting as a critical partner and trusted advisor, the executive director will collaborate closely with leadership and staff across DAR and will build and enhance key relationships with team members and internal clients. The executive director will proactively identify and implement creative solutions to complex challenges while developing and providing best-in-class services. They will lead the development of best practices, policies, procedures, and protocols for all research and relationship management activities to orchestrate success and realize DAR’s ambitious goals and aspirations. The executive director will establish the strategic vision and direction for the RRM cohort, build and hone each program, and effectively manage, empower, and inspire RRM staff in the pursuit of a world-class prospect development program. The ideal candidate will possess at least 10 years of relevant professional experience, preferably in a complex research university environment. The executive director must have a comprehensive understanding of the development cycle and a depth of expertise in best-practice prospect development and research. Working knowledge of all major advancement functions is preferred, including how prospect development supports these areas. The ideal candidate will be an effective, confident manager who will empower team members, break down silos, build and maintain a cohesive, positive environment, and lead with high emotional intelligence. GW seeks a candidate with superior project management skills, the ability to work in a dynamic and demanding environment, and the ability to triage competing priorities. The executive director must be solutions-oriented and have experience identifying, evaluating, and recommending strategies for complex problems. The ideal candidate must demonstrate the credibility, maturity, and sophistication to effectively engage with executive leaders across DAR and diverse groups of internal clients, including gift officers, provosts, the president’s office, and the vice president for DAR. The executive director must possess proficiency in Apra’s Body of Knowledge and AASP’s Best Practices and the ability to manage highly sensitive information with a high degree of judgment and discretion. Extraordinary communication and negotiation skills, political savvy, flexibility, and cultural agility to navigate a complex academic community will be essential to success. In addition, candidates must demonstrate a deep appreciation for, and an ability to articulate, the educational mission and aspirations of GW. A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.The annual salary range for this position is $104,536-$151,518. 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. Jack Gorman is leading this search with Bryce Ervin and Ryan Cheung.
