Senior Executive Director of Philanthropy, College of Engineering

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University • Daytona Beach, FL

11d • Hybrid

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 Assistant 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, 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

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 75 to 150 major prospects, conducting discovery, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Engage current and prospective donors through various communication methods, including extensive travel for face-to-face visits.
• Secure gifts for the College of Engineering, with an emphasis on gifts of $25,000 or more.
• Develop long-term strategies and tactics for each prospect and collaborate with colleagues to achieve donor engagement and stewardship goals.
• Coordinate and participate in development activities within the College of Engineering, attending leadership meetings to understand the College’s needs.
• Assist in coordinating central advancement efforts in areas such as annual giving, advancement communications, data acquisition, planned giving, donor relations, and donor impact reporting.
• Build lasting relationships with administrators, faculty, and staff within the College and across campus to engage them in philanthropic efforts.
• Advise the Dean on philanthropic policies, practices, schedules, strategies, and best practices.
• 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.
• Prepare fundraising outreach/updates/communications on behalf of the College.
• Stay apprised of upcoming University outreach events to secure new major gift leads.
• Communicate regularly and professionally with marketing/communications colleagues, development officers, alumni relations officers, and other university personnel.
• Attend and participate in regular staff and frontline fundraiser meetings.
• Serve on various committees as requested by the supervisor.
• Perform other duties as assigned and appropriate to rank and mission.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Wellness programs including 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