Director of Philanthropy, COAS

Company: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Location: Daytona Beach
Posted on: April 5, 2026

Job Description:

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 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 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 enter 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 Office of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement in the role of Director of Philanthropy in the Daytona Beach College of Arts & Sciences. The Daytona Beach College of Arts & Sciences is a vibrant hub of STEM focused applied and theoretical research. It offers the nation’s only undergraduate degree of its kind in aerospace physiology and is home to the largest university- based research telescope in Florida. The College of Arts and Sciences continues to grow and provide an outstanding learning environment for our students. Help us spread the word! Reporting to the Senior Executive Director of Philanthropy, College of Engineering, and working directly with the incoming dean and faculty of the Daytona Beach College of Arts & Sciences, 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. They will develop and implement fundraising strategies, prepare compelling oral and written proposals, build and maintain effective relationships with booster supporters. This is not just a job – it is an opportunity to be a catalyst for change, a champion of innovation, and a guardian of our legacy. If you are ready to make waves, break barriers, and leave an indelible mark on the future of aerospace education, we want you on our team. Responsibilities include: Lead Annual and Major Gifts . The Director will 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 Daytona Beach College of Arts & Sciences, 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 the Daytona Beach College of Arts & Sciences. 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 the college. Build lasting, effective relationships with the faculty, staff, and students across the college 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 the Daytona Beach College of Arts & Sciences, 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 the Daytona Beach College of Arts & Sciences 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. Other duties as assigned . Perks Await You at Embry-Riddle! Health Benefits: Experience comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with wellness programs that include preventive care and fitness memberships. Our flexible spending and health savings accounts simplify managing healthcare costs. Join a workplace that prioritizes your health—because your journey to wellness should be rewarding! Buckle up for a healthier, happier you! Tuition Coverage: Get 100% tuition coverage for yourself for one undergraduate and one graduate degree, and discounted rates for your spouse and dependent children up to age 26. Retirement Contributions: ERAU contributes an annual 6% gift of your base salary to your retirement plan and offers a 4% matching contribution, with no vesting period. Generous Time Off: Generous Time Off: Relax with 18 days of personal leave in your first year. Enjoy 9 paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. Qualifications Required Education and Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree with 3-5 years of fundraising experience. Ability to develop effective partnerships with internal and external constituencies. Demonstrated track record of cultivating and closing significant major gifts and corporate sponsorships ($25K). Effective communication skills and strong interpersonal skills. Strong organizational and motivational skills. Application process/requirements To submit your application for this opportunity, please visit the Embry-Riddle Career Site and search for requisition number R309145 . Please attach all relevant materials to your application when you apply online. Complete submissions include: Cover letter Full Resume Contact information for at least three professional references (please note that references may be contacted as part of the interview/screening process) Current Embry-Riddle employees: Please apply directly through the ERAU Employee Hub Central application within Workday. Embry-Riddle is committed to fostering a workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. We strive to ensure that all faculty, staff, and students are treated fairly and provided equal opportunities for employment, advancement, compensation, training, and other benefits of employment. Embry-Riddle makes employment decisions — including hiring, promotions, compensation, and other terms of employment — based on individual merit, qualifications, and abilities. Embry Riddle is strongly opposed to discrimination and harassment, and such behavior is prohibited by university policy. Embry Riddle does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, veteran status, predisposing genetic characteristics, age, religion, or pregnancy status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law, in its employment, educational programs, admissions policies, financial aid, or other school-administered programs or activities. For further information, please visit our website . Embry-Riddle is not seeking assistance from staffing or recruitment agencies. All agencies are directed to contact eraujobs@erau.edu and should not reach out to hiring managers or staff.

Keywords: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Pine Hills , Director of Philanthropy, COAS, Education / Teaching , Daytona Beach, Florida