Senior Executive Director, Corporate Philanthropy & Foundation Relations

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
Executive Director of Corporate Philanthropy and Foundation
Relations. 

The Senior Executive Director will lead the University’s
philanthropic corporate and foundations relations program and be
responsible for coordinating activity, developing strategies,
building relationships, and raising funds from corporations and
foundations for various initiatives and departments across the ERAU
enterprise. This position reports to the Senior Vice President of
Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement and will be a member of the PAE
leadership team.

This is a high-profile leadership role that requires a
professional with excellent verbal and written communication
skills, entrepreneurial thinking, and problem solving. The selected
candidate must possess strong relationship management abilities and
be able to oversee the day-to-day operations of corporate and
foundation relations across the University. Familiarity working
with faculty, top executives, and community leaders is desired.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate a history of success in
their prior field/position, with a special focus on success in
designing, implementing, and administering innovative programs that
require creative solutions and energized problem-solving approaches
within the fundraising arena.

Specifically, the Senior Executive Director will:

• Lead the Corporate Philanthropy and Foundation Relations
  efforts of Embry-Riddle with special emphasis on priority
  initiatives set forth by University leadership.
• Personally manage a portfolio of corporate and foundation
  prospects with a focus on closing $3M+ annually in philanthropic
  support.
• Partner with faculty, the Executive Director Corporate
  Relations, and advancement colleagues to build the prospect base
  through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and
  stewardship of donors.
• Synthesize complex scientific concepts and programs into donor
  friendly and compelling language for proposals.
• Develop highly competitive proposals that leverage prospective
  corporate and foundation goals and preferences with ERAU’s
  organizational goals and funding priorities.
• Serve as a leader and support the professional development of
  the team through intentional leadership that is inclusive,
  transparent, and empowering.
• Represent the University at various cultivation and fundraising
  events, working in tandem with the Executive Director Corporate
  Relations.
• 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.
• Track progress and results in Salesforce, the University’s
  database, following ERAU’s prospect management guidelines.
• Participate in the recruitment, selection, hiring and training
  for the department.

Qualifications

• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree
  preferred or equivalent experience.
• Minimum Experience: A minimum of 10 years of major campaign and
  fundraising experience.
• Grant writing experience
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Team-first mindset and flexible approach to development.

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.

Apply at: ERAU
Careers (myworkdayjobs.com)