Senior Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations

The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University President and Board of Trustees invite nominations and applications for the position of Senior Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is the foremost institution in the nation focusing on aviation and aerospace. With campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona, as well as multiple on-site locations around the world, Embry-Riddle is in many ways a model for the future of higher education.

In 2020, for the fourth year in a row, U.S. News & World Report ranked Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus No. 1 in the nation in the category of best Undergraduate Aerospace / Aeronautical / Astronautical Engineering programs at schools where a doctorate is not offered. In 2021, Embry-Riddle was ranked by U.S. News & World Report as offering the country’s No. 1-ranked undergraduate online programs. The university is also No. 1 in providing undergraduate programs for veterans.

Under the direction of President Dr. P. Barry Butler, Embry-Riddle seeks to enter a new era of philanthropic investment in its compelling programs and people. A tuition-driven institution, Embry-Riddle is pursuing a robust advancement program. The new senior vice president will have the opportunity to advance a growing program, working in close concert with a president experienced in the enterprise and a board eager to increase substantially its commitment to the enterprise. Building upon a strong foundation, the senior vice president will articulate a vision for advancement at Embry-Riddle and will create and execute a plan to attain that vision. The senior vice president will then lead the institution in both word and deed to the realization of that vision, playing a leading role in the development of major and principal gifts while continuing to build capacity and raise sights across the institution.

Accomplishing these ends requires an advancement professional of considerable experience in a program exemplifying best practices nationally, including especially a successful personal track record as a major and principal gift fund raiser.

Candidates with a history of success driving major and principal giving — including hands-on management and a track record for closing impactful gifts — is required. A record of accomplishment in sound fiscal and personnel management and experience managing and leading a geographically distributed workforce will be a significant advantage. The SVP must be an active and enthusiastic communicator and collaborator across the entirety of the institution. Intellectual curiosity — particularly with respect to Embry-Riddle’s focus on aeronautics and aerospace — is exceptionally important; thus, experience working in the STEM disciplines is desired. A bachelor’s degree is required and an advanced degree preferred.

As would be expected, superior relationship building and communication skills are required, including especially outstanding listening skills. Of particular import will be the ability to serve as a principal conveyor of the University’s mission and case for support to the public, including by demonstrating significant public speaking skills and the ability to inspire. To this end, authenticity in the building of relationships and a highly donor-centric approach are required.

Embry-Riddle’s new senior vice president of development and alumni relations will join an institution already at the top of its game academically that is poised to attain those same levels of excellence in its pursuit of philanthropic investment in its world-class academic programs.

WittKieffer is assisting Embry-Riddle in the search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by June 11, 2021. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the profile, available at www.wittkieffer.com. Application materials should be submitted using the WittKieffer's candidate portal. 

Nominations, referrals and inquiries can be directed to: Dennis Barden and Jessica Herrington at ERAU-CAO@wittkieffer.com

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is committed to being a global leader in diversity and inclusion in higher education. We continually strive to recognize, respect, and celebrate the differences and cultural identities among individuals as we recruit, support, and embrace our diverse community. We work to provide a safe environment where self-expression is welcome. We strive to create a campus climate free of discrimination where networks, partnerships, and cultural competency are fostered through leadership, integrity, care, and respect. We are Embry-Riddle.