What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Donor Relations position at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University?
Job Description
Discover Your Future with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University!
Embry-Riddle: A Global Leader in Aviation and Aerospace
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is the global leader in aerospace and aviation education, setting the standard for innovation, research and industry impact. Today, our future-focused mission extends far beyond the skies, advancing breakthroughs in AI, cybersecurity, uncrewed systems, space exploration and next-generation flight technologies. Founded in 1926 — just 22 years after the Wright brothers' first flight — we have leveraged almost a century of excellence to become the largest, most comprehensive institution of its kind.
With a global network of 31,000 students, residential campuses in Florida and Arizona, and a robust Worldwide & Online program, Embry-Riddle is shaping the workforce of the future. We are a top producer of pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, aviation professionals and emerging technology specialists—powering industries essential to transportation, defense, space missions and global security.
As we prepare to celebrate our 100th anniversary and invite our community to invest in the inspirational future ahead of us, we’re looking for an innovative, mission-driven Director of Donor Relations to join us. There’s never been a more exciting time to be part of Embry-Riddle.
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 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
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Job Description:
Embry-Riddle is seeking an innovative, enthusiastic Director of Donor Relations to help lead our efforts in strengthening donor affinity and loyalty through powerful acknowledgement, stewardship, engagement and recognition. Reporting to the Senior Director of Donor Relations, the Director will cultivate a culture of gratitude by managing the university's donor acknowledgment program. In collaboration with university partners, the Director will create personalized messaging, develop meaningful stewardship materials, and drive donor satisfaction through effective storytelling.
Key Responsibilities:
- Donor Acknowledgment: Management of the university's gift acknowledgment programs, ensuring timely, personalized communication and strategic messaging for 4,500 donors annually.
- Stewardship & Impact Reporting: Create compelling materials to communicate the impact of donor gifts, including fund and impact reports, stewardship emails, ThankView messages, and storytelling; ensure proper and complete gift documentation through gift agreements.
- Recognition & Engagement: Oversee donor recognition opportunities including namings and donor societies and participate in event planning to foster deeper connections.
- Operations: Ensure smooth donor relations operations, resolve donor issues, assist in pledge reminders, and manage donor relations collateral.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree 5 years of professional experience (3 years in donor relations/stewardship).
- Exceptional communication skills (written and oral), strong storytelling ability.
- Knowledge of gift agreements, impact reporting, and best practices in donor stewardship.
- Proficiency with fundraising software (Salesforce experience a plus).
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in higher education and event/project management.
- Prior experience with CRM, survey tools, and design software.
Perks Await You at Embry-Riddle!
- Generous Time Off: Relax with 15 days of personal leave in your first year. Enjoy 12 paid holidays AND paid leave for the workdays between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
- 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: 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.
