Senior Executive Director of Philanthropy, College of Engineering

Job Description Embry-Riddle:
Celebrating 100 Years of Leadership in Aviation and Aerospace As Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University marks its Centennial, we proudly celebrate 100 years of advancing the future of flight and aerospace education. With vibrant residential campuses in Daytona Beach, FL, and Prescott, AZ — and a Worldwide network spanning nearly 120 global locations — Embry-Riddle stands as the world’s largest aviation and aerospace university.

For a century, we have led innovation in STEM education, serving more than 30,000 students around the globe. Our cutting-edge programs in Applied Science, Aviation, Business, Technology, Engineering, Safety, Security, and Space empower the next generation of leaders to shape the future of flight, exploration, and discovery.

As we launch our next century, we remain committed to excellence, innovation, and preparing graduates who will transform industries and redefine what is possible.

The Opportunity Senior Executive Director of Philanthropy, College of Engineering Since its inception, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has remained best in class — the unquestioned global leader in aerospace education and a driving force in aviation and aerospace innovation, education, and research. As the largest and most comprehensive institution of its kind, Embry-Riddle was founded in 1926, just 22 years after the Wright brothers’ first powered flight — a 12-second breakthrough that transformed the world and ultimately helped inspire the creation of our University.

Today, nearly 100 years later, Embry-Riddle’s legacy of excellence continues to propel us toward even greater achievements.

Embry-Riddle consistently earns Top 10 national rankings across multiple disciplines. Our aerospace engineering programs are routinely recognized among the best in the nation, and the University is annually named a “Best for Veterans” institution. In addition, our online bachelor’s degree programs have ranked first or second nationally for the past eight years, and our professional pilot programs remain the gold standard for aspiring aviators worldwide.

As we experience our Centennial Campaign, there has never been a more exciting time to make your mark on our University’s history. We are 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.

Under the leadership of Dean Jim Gregory, the College of Engineering is the nation’s largest educator of aerospace engineers and stands as a beacon of excellence in engineering education. Renowned for its cutting-edge facilities and innovative curriculum, the College offers students a unique blend of practical and theoretical knowledge tailored to the demands of the aerospace industry.

Reporting to the Vice President of Philanthropy and working in close partnership with the Dean of the College, the Senior Executive Director of Development for the College of Engineering will lead the strategic vision for the College’s fundraising efforts. This role will be 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 more than a position — it is an opportunity to serve as a catalyst for transformation, a champion of innovation, and a steward of Embry-Riddle’s enduring legacy. If you are ready to help shape the future of aerospace and engineering education, we invite you to join our team.

Key Responsibilities:

Major Gifts. The Senior Executive Director shall be assigned a portfolio of major prospects and shall conduct discovery, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship 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, traveling extensively. The Senior Executive Director will track solicitation/stewardship progress and results in Salesforce, the University’s database, following ERAU’s prospect management guidelines.

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