Assistant Director, Student & Young Alumni Giving

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University • Daytona Beach, FL

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About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Experience leading student, volunteer, or peer ambassador programs.
• Experience in annual giving, student philanthropy, young alumni engagement, or participation-focused fundraising.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize, manage multiple deadlines, and execute in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and take initiative.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, detail-oriented office environment with frequent interaction with students, campus partners, alumni, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to build trust and credibility with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and donors.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an inclusive environment for a diverse student, faculty, and staff community, or a clear commitment to doing so at Embry-Riddle.
• Flexibility to support programs and events that may occur during evenings and weekends.
• Ability to effectively supervise and mentor student employees.
• Ability to lift and move materials associated with event setup (up to 25 lbs), transport supplies across campus, and support basic event logistics.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• One to three years of experience in higher education, corporate philanthropy, or a nonprofit fundraising environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working directly with students or recent graduates in an advising, coaching, residence life, student activities, or engagement role.
• Experience designing and launching fundraising programs or initiatives from concept through execution.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, and Microsoft Office for basic design, branding, and campaign marketing.
• Experience with Salesforce (Ascend and Marketing Cloud) or similar CRM and email marketing platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, and drive projects to completion.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• 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!
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level