George Washington University

Director, Donor Fund Compliance

George Washington University$82K — $136K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field plus 6 years of experience, or Master's degree plus 4 years of experience.
  • Experience in managing complex projects and prioritizing multiple tasks.
  • Familiarity with endowed fund management and fundraising systems, particularly in higher education.
  • Ability to draft and review complex donor agreements and related legal documents.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of building trust with various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct comprehensive audits of donor-funded endowments, focusing on unspent payouts.
  • Categorize donor funds based on agreements and donor involvement.
  • Coordinate with multiple departments to resolve spending restrictions on donor funds.
  • Regularly communicate audit findings and spending statuses to key university stakeholders.
  • Ensure compliance with donor intent and administrative obligations for endowed funds.
  • Serve as the primary contact for inquiries regarding donor spending preferences.
  • Perform independent fund analysis and financial audits.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Life and disability insurance options.
  • Ample time off and leave policies.
  • Retirement savings plans and tuition assistance.
  • Various voluntary benefits to enhance employee well-being.
Full Job Description
Posting Details

I. JOB OVERVIEW

Job Description Summary:

The George Washington University Division of University Advancement (UA) seeks a Director, Donor Fund Compliance to develop a donor fund focused spending and compliance program. The Donor Relations team provides a comprehensive, donor-focused program that enriches a donor's engagement with the university and motivates the involvement and investment of others.

UA is responsible for leading the university's alumni and fundraising efforts and seeks to promote a culture of philanthropy throughout the university community, including alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, corporations and foundations, patients, and friends. Our goal is to advance GW's mission of excellence in education, research, scholarship, and patient care. Reporting to the Executive Director, Donor Relations, the Director, Donor Fund Compliance will partner with campus offices around unspent endowment payout for donor-funded endowments and work with gift officers and other university leadership to identify and facilitate solutions to encourage consistent annual spending.

Primary responsibilities include:

  • Conducts a comprehensive audit of donor-funded endowments with an emphasis on those with accumulated unspent payout.
  • Categorizes donor funds for action based on the presence of a living donor(s); gains an understanding of agreements and policies to categorize action paths to resolution.
  • Coordinates strategic review and resolution of spending impediments with Donor Relations and gift officers as well as Finance, Treasury, General Counsel, and other university leadership, where appropriate, with the goal of improving donor fund utilization around the university.
  • Communicates regularly and proactively the status and scope of findings to multiple stakeholders, particularly DAR's vice president and university chief financial officer.
  • Supports GW in fulfilling its responsibilities for endowment compliance by ensuring endowed funds are expended in accordance with donor intent and that administrative obligations of the gift agreement are met.
  • Serves as the key point of contact for partners across campus for spending restrictions and preferences related to donor funds.
  • Conduct comprehensive financial audits and offer independent fund analysis, serving as the primary point of contact for fund inquiries.


Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Qualified candidates will 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.

Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Proven skills and ability to successfully manage complex, multi-phase projects from inception to completion and balance multiple concurrent priorities.
  • Prior experience working with endowed fund management, gift agreements, or gift compliance in a higher education setting preferred.
  • Advanced technical and financial skills and computer literacy, including fundraising systems and software, and proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
  • Experience drafting and reviewing complex donor agreements, gift related documentation, or legal documents.
  • Possesses strong interpersonal and communication skills. Builds trust with a variety of constituents. Listens for understanding and clarity and effectively expresses thoughts and ideas.
  • Self-directed and results-oriented. Thinks critically and exercises mature judgment in identifying problems and generating alternative solutions.
  • Demonstrates self-awareness and respect for all colleagues, even in situations with differing thoughts and opinions.
  • Constantly seeks to improve and streamline procedures and processes.
  • Ability to build collaborative relationships with internal colleagues and university partners. Collaborates on a communication strategy when funds are unspent or not spent appropriately.
  • Exercise a high degree of sensitivity in dealing with confidential donor information.


Hiring Range
$82,950.66 - $136,814.41

GW Staff Approach to Pay

How is pay for new employees determined at GW?

Healthcare 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.

II. 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, 9:00am - 5:00pm

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:
S014152

Job Open Date:
04/28/2026

Job Close Date:

If temporary, grant funded, Sponsored Project funded or limited term appointment, position funded until:

Background Screening
Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

About George Washington University

George Washington University is a private research university that offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in a variety of fields, including business, law, medicine, and public policy. The university is located in Washington, D.C., and has a total enrollment of approximately 28,000 students. George Washington University was founded in 1821 and has a long history of academic excellence and research innovation. The university is known for its strong programs in international affairs, political science, and public health.
Learn more about George Washington University
Size
12,000 employees
Industry

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