Director of Philanthropic Organizations

Job Description

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is currently hiring for a Director of Philanthropic Organizations. Reporting to Senior Director of Philanthropy, the Director of Philanthropic Organizations manages a diverse array of affinity-based philanthropy organizations aimed at increasing engagement with prospective donors, widening the Eagle network, and attracting substantial annual gift income for scholarships and student or faculty projects.

The Director will work closely with the Dean of each College and other members of the philanthropy and alumni relations team to identify, recruit, engage, solicit and steward qualified candidates for college-based philanthropy councils and affinity groups. Additionally, this role will be responsible for managing a strategic portfolio of major gift prospects.

The Director will develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy in collaboration with colleagues in the philanthropy and alumni communications unit and the colleges. The Director will coordinate and organize campus meetings and special events for councils and giving circles, engaging them with their college's scholarship students, faculty and leadership.

The Director must be a proactive, creative, and tenacious problem-solver, unfailingly positive, engaging and gracious with high emotional intelligence. The Director must possess the ability to work with a sense of urgency, high attention to detail and commitment to producing excellent, finished work with minimal oversight. The Director must perceive and recommend opportunities for synergy and possess the ability to leverage their advancement experience and professional insights to make sound, independent decisions with strategic and financial impact on the program and the University.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• 2+ years of philanthropy experience within Higher Education or Non-Profit Organization
• Ability to successfully conduct face to face solicitations
• Prior event planning experience
• Background in communications and marketing with outstanding written and oral communication skills
• Strong data analysis skills; capable of assessing and analyzing data
• Ability to conduct prospect research
• Highly creative and very focused on outcomes
• Tenacious, detail-oriented, thorough, and reliable; relentlessly service-oriented

Knowledge:

• Basic understanding of HTML and web editor’s tools
• Basic Understanding of imodules alumni engagement platform
• Proper business correspondence
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Use of general office equipment and computer
• Use of the internet as a productivity or research tool
• Business and professional etiquette
• Development and alumni relations best practices
• Basic understanding of research

Skills

• Effectively use and communicate through social media techniques and platforms
• Apply mobile device technology for productivity, communication, and social media
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Problem solving skills, emphasizing a solutions-oriented mentality
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong analytical skills
• Basic budgeting and cost-estimating
• Customer relations skills
• Analyze and synthesize prospect reports, maps, tables, graphs, and other technical information

Abilities:

• Work in a team environment, being self-motivated, well prepared, with routinely follow through.
• Demonstrate strong character, emphasizing integrity, caring, and honesty, as well as loyalty to the institution.
• Develop proficiency with university’s fundraising database/software
• Maintain positive and respectful engagement with colleagues and clients
• Effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Adaptable and resilient when confronted with challenges and changing priorities
• Manage and meet deadlines
• Adhere to divisional and university policies and procedures.
• Generate prospect reports, maps, and other technical information associated with giving and engagement
• Work effectively in a multi-faceted organization and develop mutually respectful relationships with stakeholders at all levels as well as diverse individuals and communities.
• Manage sensitive and confidential information
• Demonstrate an authentic and enthusiastic interest in the mission of the university
• Optimize travel planning and execution
• Travel as appropriate by automobile, aircraft and other means for work related trips
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and possess the ability to safely and effectively drive