Senior Executive Director-Corporate Philanthropy & Foundation Relations

Senior Executive Director for 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 for 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.

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.

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.

• 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.