Job Description

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 experienced Associate Director of Alumni Programs to provide impactful events and programs for our 160,000 alumni around the world.

Embry-Riddle alumni are an impressive force. Nine alumni are current or former astronauts; 137 alumni are authors and 135 are entrepreneurs. You will be interacting with the aerospace and aviation industries’ finest.

Reporting to the Director of Event Operations, Associate Director of Alumni Events and Volunteer Programs will collaborate with the Alumni Engagement team to create and manage best in class events that represent the Embry-Riddle brand. Events include alumni reunions, Daytona Beach Campus Homecoming, Lift Off celebrations for graduating students, and alumni gatherings at industry trade shows.

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.

Oversee Signature Events and Reunions: The Associate Director of Alumni Events and Volunteer Programs is responsible for all planning, execution, and programmatic elements of alumni focused signature events. Events include Homecoming, Lift Off celebrations for graduating students, alumni gatherings at designated industry trade shows, and reunions/anniversary celebrations for various student organizations, affinity groups, and athletics teams. Th Associate Director of Alumni Events and Volunteer Programs will develop innovative content for new and existing programs aimed at driving alumni engagement and participation.

• Organize and manage signature event logistics including site selection, catering, audiovisual, and multimedia
• Manage reunion inquiries from alumni and support reunion committee members with logistical event planning
• Work directly with third-party contractors/vendors (DJs, florists, venues, caterers, printers, etc.), maintaining vendor matrix and vendor relationships. Negotiate competitive fees, manage internal contract approval process, process payments, and ensure vendors meet deliverables in compliance with ERAU standards and guidelines. Maintain vendor list and make recommendations for new vendors for events.
• Collaborate and maintain relationships with campus partners including catering, facilities, marketing, and operations teams to meet overall event goals.
• Work with the communications team to develop creative marketing materials, emails, and social media campaigns that generate event awareness and increase response rates with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage select event budgets, purchase orders, and expense reports.
• Respond to inquiries from the public and students about events.
• Recruit and manage internal volunteers to support signature events.
• Evaluate event performance and outcomes, including attendance, revenue generation, donor engagement, and participant satisfaction, and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Assist in brainstorming and developing new event ideas, designed to inspire alumni, parents and friends.

Volunteer management

• Expand current volunteer efforts and create more robust ways to identify, recruit, train, support, recognize and reward alumni who provide volunteer support to Embry-Riddle.
• Provide overall management of the program area including the development of a strategic communication plan for alumni volunteer management.

Philanthropy and alumni engagement divisional support

• Support Director of Event Operations as directed
• Support the daily operations in the alumni office, including greeting and assisting alumni guests, and general office oversight.

About Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University:

At Embry-Riddle, we take pride in our position as the world's largest and most comprehensive university dedicated to aviation and aerospace. Located in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona, our esteemed residential campuses offer a prestigious educational experience. However, our commitment to education knows no borders as our Worldwide campus expands our reach globally, providing a world-class education online and at approximately 110 locations across the United States, Asia, Europe, and Central and South America. This breadth of reach ensures that students can access our exceptional programs without geographical limitations.

With a history spanning nearly a century, we have continually adapted to the dynamic needs of the industries we support. In the Academic Year 2022-23, we welcomed over 11,100 students to our residential campuses and over 19,000 students at our worldwide campus. 

Join our global community and embark on a journey of academic excellence and limitless possibilities. Employees working more than 30 hours a week can enjoy medical, dental and vision benefits, an amazing retirement plan with immediate vesting that includes a 6% gift and up to 4% match, free tuition for employees and their immediate family members, and a generous personal leave program. To find out more about our benefits and why ERAU has been named a “Great College to Work For” for 13 consecutive years, visit our careers page.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years’ experience in event management, preferably in non-profit.
• Superior project management skills, detail-oriented, and ability to manage multiple projects and complex timelines.
• Experience managing budgets, payment processing, or invoice procedures with a central accounting or procurement office.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated confidence in making decisions, using good judgment, and applying innovative and creative problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, time management, and customer service skills. Must be well organized and detail-oriented.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Knowledge of fundraising and special event processes.
• Experience with database systems (Salesforce considered a plus).
• Advanced computer skills, including proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Proven communication skills, both oral and written.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to travel.