Senior Administrative Assistant, Major Gifts

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Daytona Beach (FL); On-site; USD 30,307 - 33,062; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Time Off

Tuition Coverage

Retirement Contributions

Personal Leave

Job summary

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is looking for a Senior Administrative Assistant to support its Major Gifts team. The role involves high-level administrative support to the Vice President of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, coordination of donor engagement logistics, and ensuring campaign readiness.

The ideal candidate should possess a degree and at least five years of administrative experience, excellent communication skills, and knowledge of Microsoft Office. This position offers a competitive hourly rate and comprehensive benefits including tuition coverage and retirement contributions.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of administrative or operational support experience, preferably within higher education.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to the Vice President of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement.
• Prepare briefing materials and reports related to fundraising activities.
• Organize donor visits and engagement logistics.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Time management

Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Associate's or bachelor's degree in business, communications, or a related field

Job description

Opportunity

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is seeking a highly organized and proactive Senior Administrative Assistant to support the growing needs of the Major Gifts team. This role provides high-level administrative and operational support to the Vice President of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement while enhancing the effectiveness of frontline fundraising efforts.

Reporting to the Assistant Division Administrator & Executive Assistant to the SVP, this position plays a critical role in supporting major and principal gift fundraising activities. The Senior Administrative Assistant helps ensure campaign readiness and scalability by coordinating administrative processes, donor engagement logistics, and operational priorities. By managing key functions and maintaining continuity during periods of travel and increased activity, this role enables fundraising leadership and gift officers to focus on cultivating relationships, advancing strategic initiatives, and securing philanthropic support for the university.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide dedicated administrative support to the Vice President of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, including calendar management, travel coordination, correspondence, and project support.
• Prepare briefing materials, reports, presentations, internal documentation, and leadership communications related to major and principal gift activity.
• Support frontline fundraising staff with administrative functions such as travel arrangements, expense reporting, meeting logistics, and donor follow‑up activities.
• Coordinate coverage and support for traveling fundraisers to ensure continuity of donor engagement and timely response to stakeholder needs.
• Organize and coordinate donor visits, including scheduling, campus itineraries, stakeholder participation, and event logistics.
• Prepare and manage donor correspondence, engagement materials, briefing packets, and related documentation.
• Collaborate with university partners to deliver a seamless and professional donor experience.
• Plan and facilitate Frontline Fundraiser (FLF) and Principal Gifts meetings, including scheduling, agenda preparation, logistics, meeting documentation, and follow‑up activities.
• Track action items and outcomes from meetings to support fundraising priorities and donor engagement strategies.
• Assist with campaign‑related initiatives, project timelines, administrative workflows, and cross‑functional coordination efforts.
• Organize and maintain records and documentation associated with major and principal gift activities.
• Provide support for special projects, events, and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in business, communications, or a related field.
• Five or more years of administrative or operational support experience, preferably within higher education, advancement, philanthropy, or another complex organizational environment.
• Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and standard administrative technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting senior executives, fundraising professionals, or leadership teams.
• Familiarity with donor relations, advancement operations, fundraising campaigns, or philanthropic engagement activities.
• Experience coordinating complex schedules, events, and stakeholder communications in a fast‑paced environment.

Benefits

• Generous Time Off: Enjoy up to 18 days of paid leave in your first year, including 3 days granted upon hire and 15 days accrued throughout the year. You’ll also receive 9+ paid holidays.
• 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 6% of your base salary to your retirement plan and offers a 4% matching contribution — with no vesting period.
• Personal Leave: Relax with 15 days of personal leave for non‑exempt employees or 18 days for exempt full‑time employees in your first year.

Compensation

The hourly range for this role is $22.00‑$24.00. The final offer will be based on the candidate’s skills, qualifications, and experience, as well as applicable state regulations, internal equity, and business needs, and may fall outside of the stated range.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Embry-Riddle is committed to fostering a workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. We strive to ensure that all faculty, staff, and students are treated fairly and provided equal opportunities for employment, advancement, compensation, training, and other benefits of employment. Embry‑Riddle makes employment decisions — including hiring, promotions, compensation, and other terms of employment — based on individual merit, qualifications, and abilities. Embry‑Riddle is strongly opposed to discrimination and harassment, and such behavior is prohibited by university policy. Embry‑Riddle does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, veteran status, predisposing genetic characteristics, age, religion, or pregnancy status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law, in its employment, educational programs, admissions policies, financial aid, or other school‑administered programs or activities. For further information, please visit our website.