Director, Donor Relations

While professional experience and qualifications are key for this role, make sure to check you have the preferable soft skills before applying if required.

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!

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 seasoned donor relations professional to join the Office of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement in the role of Director of Donor Relations.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Advancement Services, the Director of Donor Relations will develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to steward philanthropy and share with donors the impact of their gifts.

Through acknowledgment letters, print and digital publications, special events, and personal interactions, the Director of Donor Relations will ensure compliance with donor intention as well as high-quality interactions that foster long-term engagement and investment.

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.

Responsibilities

• Communicate Philanthropic Impact : Lead a multi-faceted, multi-channel, cyclical communications strategy in collaboration with Marketing and Communications that communicates the impact of donor giving.
• Develop, implement, and continuously refine a comprehensive donor engagement and recognition strategy that includes communications illustrating the impact of donors’ gifts, such as endowment reports, impact reports, personalized messages, and content that supports donor retention and growth.

Working with campus partners, this role will research how the gift was used and report back to the donor.

• Establish and maintain long-term recognition opportunities (naming spaces, plaque size, etc.)
• Develop, maintain, and share internally a donor-centric annual calendar of communications and reporting activities to ensure regular and meaningful touchpoints with donors and maintain their engagement over time.
• Create, manage, and execute a donor relations matrix according to the level of the gift.
• Stewardship : Ensure donor intentions are properly recorded in gift agreements, meet PAE, legal and Title IX requirements, and can be met by the university.

Lead the acknowledgment process.

Utilize systems to stay informed on gift agreements and ensure that the donor philanthropy follows university and legal protocols.

Ensure the university remains in compliance with donor intention.

• Write acknowledgment letters and manage the acknowledgment process.
• Events : Lead and support in-person donor relation activities.
• Create events that promote interactions between scholarship recipients and donors, as well as communicate gratitude and celebrate philanthropy.
• Support the Director of Event Operations in PAE events. Tasks include creating invitations and guest lists, tracking RSVPs, and supporting the planning and implementation of the events as requested.
• Collaborate with front-line fundraisers to engage donors and prospects in the university's life and demonstrate that their gifts have a tangible impact.
• Effectively utilize student workers and obtain assistance from appropriate staff to meet deadlines and deliver results.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Five years of donor relations and stewardship experience.
• Knowledge of best practices in gift agreements, endowment and impact reporting.
• Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years of professional advancement experience.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Outstanding attention to detail and the initiative to correct errors.
• Customer service mindset that advocates for the donor while maintaining university protocols.
• Proficiency with fundraising software and donor management systems; knowledge of Salesforce a plus.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, professionalism, and knowledge of business social etiquette.
• Research and analytical skills.
• Ability to be flexible, work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects, prioritize a high volume of work in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Work in a team environment, being self-motivated and well-prepared, with routine follow-through and clear communication.
• Availability to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed to supervise events or meet with donors.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in digital design software to create documents.
• Event and project management experience.

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