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 fundraiser to join the Prescott Campus Office of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement in the role of Director of Philanthropy.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Philanthropy, Prescott Campus, the Director of Philanthropy works to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward lead annual and major gifts from alumni and community partners. They provide leadership and coordination to the campus in approaching donors for lead annual and major gifts, working closely with the Senior Director, campus leadership, and development colleagues. They will develop and implement fundraising strategies, prepare compelling oral and written proposals, build and maintain effective relationships with booster supporters.

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.

Lead Annual and Major Gifts

The Director shall be assigned a portfolio of approximately 75-125 prospects. In this role, they shall conduct discovery, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship calls within this portfolio. They will engage current and prospective donors through print or electronic correspondence, calls, encounters at events, and, most importantly, individual, face-to-face visits. Travel and attendance on evenings and weekends should be anticipated.  The Director’s primary objective is to secure gifts for the Prescott Campus, though additional opportunities may be pursued as well, in order to optimize overall giving to the University.

Develop written strategies and tactics for each prospect, implement them, and collaborate with colleagues in the division to achieve donor engagement and stewardship goals.

Unit Liaison

Engage with and coordinate philanthropy activities within Prescott Campus. Participate in leadership meetings to better understand needs, challenges, and opportunities. Help coordinate central advancement efforts in the areas of annual giving, major gifts, advancement communications, data acquisition, planned giving programing, donor relations and donor impact reporting associated with Prescott Campus. Build lasting, effective relationships with the faculty, coaches, staff, and students across campus to best engage them in the process of philanthropy. Advise department staff on the institution’s philanthropic policies, practices, schedules, and strategies as well as on general best practices in philanthropy. Ensure a strong healthy relationship with between Prescott Campus, other units, and the central administration of the University.

Support Central Development

Observe institutional development policies, participate actively in meetings held by central development, and maintain a satisfactory level of training and knowledge of best practices. The Director’s main emphasis is to secure funds for Prescott Campus while being donor-centric. Thus, as necessary or as assigned, assist the central development enterprise in achieving its broader objectives. This may entail transferring or sharing assigned prospects based on interests in other units. Conduct discovery, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship in accordance with those assignments. Engage current and prospective donors through print or electronic correspondence, calls, encounters at events, and most importantly, individual, face-to-face visits. Complete timely, accurate, concise, and complete contact reports and enter them into the Division’s enterprise system.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of fundraising experience

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Ability to develop effective partnerships with internal and external constituencies
• Demonstrated track record of cultivation and closing significant major gifts and corporate sponsorships
• Knowledge of collegiate athletics
• Commitment to teamwork and cooperative action
• Ability to work with people from a variety of culturally diverse backgrounds
• Effective communication skills and strong interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational and motivational skills
• Professional experience in a higher education advancement setting is strongly preferred.
• Professional experience in aviation or aerospace environments is a plus.