Assistant Director, Student & Young Alumni Giving

The Opportunity:  Assistant Director of Student and Young Alumni Giving

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. Embry-Riddle’s professional pilot degree programs are the unquestioned gold standard for aspiring aviators.

As we enter our centennial campaign, Imagine What’s Next, we are seeking a vibrant and entrepreneurial Assistant Director of Student and Young Alumni Giving to join the Office of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement. There has never been a more exciting time to make your mark and be a part of Embry-Riddle’s history!

Position Summary

• Reporting to the Senior Director of The Annual Fund, the Assistant Director of Student and Young Alumni Giving will play a leadership role in Annual Giving. Focusing on undergraduate students and graduates of the last decade, the Assistant Director will create and lead student and recent graduate philanthropic initiatives, programs, and events. This position will have a philanthropic goal of $250K annually.
• Establish and manage a Student Philanthropy Education Council focused on increasing student and young alumni engagement, participation, and lifelong affinity for the university. Signature programs include Thank a Donor Day, Blue and Gold Week, Ascend Day of Giving, and Senior Class Giving.
• Lead the planning, execution, and year-over-year growth of the Senior Class Giving campaign, with specific attention to first-year alumni giving and repeatable strategies for long-term participation.
• Support the Senior Director of Annual Giving with Athletics Week of Giving, Giving Tuesday, and Ascend Day of Giving, including campaign planning, messaging, volunteer coordination, and results tracking.
• Collaborate with the Alumni Engagement team to design and implement a young alumni engagement and giving program for graduates 0–5 years out, with an emphasis on relationship-building in years 0–3 and philanthropic conversion in years 3–5.
• Partner with the Dean of Students and the Offices of Student Activities at the Prescott, Worldwide, and Daytona Beach campuses to build strong relationships with student leaders, advise student philanthropic initiatives, and serve as an accessible point of contact for student fundraising needs and approvals.
• Manage the fall and spring student crowdfunding cohorts, including recruitment, coaching, goal-setting, campaign readiness, and performance assessment.
• Hire, train, and supervise student and/or graduate assistants.
• Maintain a welcoming, visible, and responsive presence for students, encouraging questions, ideas, and involvement in philanthropy.
• Continuously research, benchmark, and apply current best practices in student philanthropy, young alumni giving, and peer-to-peer fundraising in order to strengthen program quality and outcomes.
• Perform other related 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.