Senior Executive Director of Philanthropy, College of Engineering

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University • Daytona Beach, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is seeking a dynamic and seasoned fundraising leader to join the Office of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement in the role of Senior Executive Director, College of Engineering. This role reports to the Vice President of Philanthropy and works in close partnership with the Dean of the College of Engineering. The Senior Executive Director will lead the strategic vision for the College’s fundraising efforts, responsible for cultivating and strengthening relationships with distinguished alumni, industry partners, corporations, and philanthropic foundations to advance the mission and priorities of the College. This is an opportunity to serve as a catalyst for transformation, a champion of innovation, and a steward of Embry-Riddle’s enduring legacy.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree is required (foreign equivalent or higher).
• Ten (10) years of full-time fundraising experience in higher education, a complex healthcare system, or a large non-profit.
• Proven record of success in cultivating, soliciting, and closing major-level ($100,000+) gifts from individual donors.
• Experience managing numerous priorities and a broad portfolio of donor/client relationships.
• Experience with Salesforce or comparable donor relationship applications

Nice To Haves

• A master’s degree is preferred.
• Additional years of fundraising experience in higher education, a large non-profit, or a healthcare institution.
• Experience at an academic or medical center.
• Experience managing volunteers or an advisory board.
• Comfort with high-net-worth individuals, including the ability to maintain confidential information.
• Basic knowledge of planned giving vehicles and techniques.
• Experience developing a new donor constituency are strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• The Senior Executive Director shall be assigned a portfolio of major prospects and shall conduct discovery, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship within this portfolio.
• Engage current and prospective donors through print or electronic correspondence, calls, encounters at events, and, most importantly, individual, face-to-face visits, traveling extensively.
• Track solicitation/stewardship progress and results in Salesforce, the University’s database, following ERAU’s prospect management guidelines.
• Secure gifts for the College of Engineering, though additional opportunities may be pursued to optimize overall giving to the University. A major gift is defined as gifts of $50,000 or more and must be emphasized to achieve annual goals.
• Develop long-term strategies and tactics for each prospect, implementing them, and collaborating with division colleagues to achieve unit and institutional donor engagement and stewardship goals.
• Coordinate and participate in development activities within the College of Engineering.
• Participate in leadership meetings to better understand the College’s needs, challenges, and opportunities.
• Assist in coordinating central advancement efforts in the areas of annual giving, advancement communications, data acquisition, planned giving programming, donor relations, and donor impact reporting associated with the College of Engineering.
• Build lasting, effective relationships with administrators, faculty, and staff associated within the College and across campus to engage them in philanthropic efforts.
• Advise the Dean on the institution’s philanthropic policies, practices, schedules, and strategies, as well as general best practices in philanthropy.
• Ensure a healthy relationship between the College, other units, central advancement, and the University.
• Effectively deploy the College Dean and their personnel to support the College’s fundraising goals.
• Synthesize complex scientific concepts and programs into donor-friendly and compelling language for proposals.
• Regularly prepare fundraising outreach/updates/communications on behalf of the campus to ensure robust donor engagement and awareness of the fundraising needs.
• Stay apprised of upcoming University outreach events to secure new major gift leads.
• In conjunction with the stewardship and communications team, create written reports for foundations and updates for faculty, craft acknowledgment letters, and respond to requests from faculty, donors, and advancement colleagues.
• As part of engagement efforts, initiate appropriate contact and develop meaningful and effective development events for donors and prospective donors to showcase unique opportunities for support.
• Other duties as assigned and appropriate to rank and mission.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Wellness programs that include preventive care and fitness memberships
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts
• 100% tuition coverage for yourself for one undergraduate and one graduate degree
• Discounted tuition rates for your spouse and dependent children up to age 26
• ERAU contributes an annual 6% gift of your base salary to your retirement plan
• ERAU offers a 4% matching contribution to your retirement plan, with no vesting period
• 18 days of personal leave in your first year
• 9+ paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive