Senior Director of Philanthropy, Worldwide

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach, FL

Full-time - Senior

Daytona Beach, FL

Educational Services

About the position

Since its inception, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has remained best in class - the unquestioned global leader in aerospace education, and the definitive source of innovation in aviation and aerospace education and research. The largest, most comprehensive institution of its kind, Embry-Riddle was founded in 1926, 22 years after the Wright brothers' first demonstration of piloted, powered flight: 12 seconds that changed the world and eventually brought Embry-Riddle into being. Today, with a nearly 100-year legacy of innovation and excellence in education, even greater accomplishments lie ahead - and above! Embry-Riddle holds multiple Top 10 academic rankings. Our aerospace engineering programs, for example, have routinely been judged to be the nation's best. With a long history of serving those who serve, Embry-Riddle is annually named 'Best for Veterans.' In addition, the university's online bachelor's degree programs have ranked first or second in the nation for the past eight years. And, Embry-Riddle's professional pilot degree programs are the unquestioned gold standard for aspiring aviators. As we prepare for our Centennial Campaign, there has never been a more exciting time to make your mark on our University's history. We seek a dynamic and seasoned fundraiser to join the Office of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement in the role of Senior Director of Philanthropy for Embry-Riddle's Worldwide Campus. Backed by an international reputation for academic excellence, Embry-Riddle's Worldwide campus is an online community that takes pride in its longstanding relationship with the U.S. military and in supporting veterans. The Worldwide campus offers degree programs from aviation and applied sciences to business, engineering, intelligence and space. The Senior Director of Philanthropy for the Worldwide campus works to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major gifts from alumni and community partners. The ideal candidate will provide leadership and coordination to the campus in approaching donors for major gifts, working closely with academic leadership, faculty, and development colleagues. They will develop and implement fundraising strategies, prepare compelling oral and written proposals, build and maintain effective relationships with booster supporters. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Philanthropy, and collaborating closely with the Worldwide Chancellor and Deans, the Senior Director of Philanthropy will chart the course for the campus fundraising success, cultivating relationships with esteemed alumni, foundations, and our many corporate partners. This isn't just a job - it's an opportunity to be a catalyst for change, a champion of innovation, and a guardian of our legacy. If you're ready to make waves, break barriers, and leave an indelible mark on the future of aerospace education, we want you on our team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct discovery, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship calls within an assigned portfolio of approximately 75-125 prospects.
• Engage prospects through print or electronic correspondence, calls, encounters at events, and face-to-face visits.
• Develop written strategies and tactics for each prospect and implement them.
• Coordinate development activities within academic units and participate in leadership meetings.
• Build lasting relationships with academic leaders, staff, and students to engage them in philanthropy.
• Advise academic leadership on philanthropic policies, practices, and strategies.
• Observe institutional development policies and participate in central development meetings.
• Complete timely, accurate, concise, and complete contact reports.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree is required (foreign equivalent or higher).
• Six (6) 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 and ability to maintain confidential information.
• Basic knowledge of planned giving vehicles and techniques.
• Experience developing a new donor constituency.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision benefits for employees working more than 30 hours a week.
• An amazing retirement plan with immediate vesting that includes a 6% gift and up to 4% match.
• Free tuition for employees and their immediate family members.
• A generous personal leave program.