Foundation Director

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics is seeking a Foundation Director who will be responsible for working collaboratively with the Foundation Board of Trustees, President, Institute leadership and staff to deliver K-12 and university programming that impacts one million students annually.

Accountabilities:

Operations

• Manage the day-to-day administration of the Foundation
• Work closely with the Institute’s University and STEM-K12 Programs staff and volunteers to develop program goals and objectives, metrics, marketing ideas and fundraising materials for donors and corporate partners
• Work with Institute staff to onboard new programs, maintain and/or enhance existing programs and discontinue under-performing programs
• Oversee donation processing and ensure proper stewardship of all donors
• Ensure that the terms in the Endowment Agreements are adhered to and the quarterly reports are accurate and distributed in a timely manner

Development

• Create successful strategies for engaging and working with individual and corporate donors and partners to achieve the goals and objectives of the Foundation
• Initiate and develop partnerships with other organizations to maximize the impact of the AIAA Foundation
• Create and implement a multifaceted fundraising program in partnership with the Foundation Board, which includes cultivating and soliciting individual major gifts, implementing an annual giving/direct marketing program, and seeking corporate sponsorships
• Lead and execute all fundraising and planned giving events
• Engage Board members, volunteers, and partnering organizations in support of Foundation fundraising efforts
• Maintain a portfolio of major and principal donor prospects, maintaining frequent contact with prospects
• Proactively work with Institute’s leadership team to determine funding priorities
• Work closely with the Institute staff and Board to seek their involvement in policy decisions, fundraising, and outreach efforts to enhance the Foundation’s visibility and impact in the aerospace community
• Monitor program metrics to measure the impact and interest of programs consistent with the goals and strategy established by the Foundation Board of Trustees 
• Ensure donor expectations are being met

Board of Trustees

• Work with President and Foundation Board of Trustees to refine the vision, mission and strategic planning necessary for the Foundation’s growth 
• Schedule, plan and staff Board meetings to include taking, preparing and distributing minutes
• Support the transition of Trustees coming on/going off the Board
• Manage any changes to the Bylaws and/or Institute/Foundation Memorandum of Understanding
• Prepare and deliver necessary presentations to the Foundation Board of Trustees

Budget and Financials

• Plan and manage the Foundation’s annual budget in partnership with the Institute’s leadership
• Determine program funding levels, project contributions, fund raising levels, and related expenses 
• Work with CFO to submit a proposed annual budget to the President and the Board and provide updates and financial statements throughout the year which accurately reflect the financial condition of the Foundation

Communications

• Communicate the strategic vision and mission of the Foundation internally to the Institute and to external stakeholders
• Work closely with staff on Foundation’s marketing and communications initiatives to include print, website and social media outreach
• Communicate effectively with the Board providing all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions

Other duties as assigned by the Foundation President

Position Skills:

• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Advanced skill in making persuasive and compelling presentations of the Foundation’s goals and objectives to secure donations and corporation contributions  
• Ability to interact effectively with Trustees, donors, sponsors and staff at all levels
• Strong organizational skills including planning, delegating, collaborating and program development
• Attention to detail and ability to identify problems and to take appropriate action
• Proven track record in leading a team 
• Aptitude for being a self-starter who has the capacity to quickly adapt and thrive in a multitasked environment
• Ability to meet deadlines and quickly establish priorities

Requirements/Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Graduate degree preferred.
• Ten years of progressively responsible professional experience to include 3-5 years of fundraising experience and 3-5 years of operations and program management experience
• Experience with non-profit administration, including budget development and Board management
• Track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals and objectives
• Extensive knowledge of fundraising principles including the techniques and practices of cultivating individual and corporate donors
• Expertise in initiating and developing partnerships with other organizations.
• Experience working in a matrixed environment preferred and managing staff preferred
• Travel approximately six to ten times per year
• Strong Microsoft Office skills (Word, Power Point, Excel)

To apply, email resume, cover letter and salary requirements to careers@aiaa.org.

EOE M/F/D/V

Why Work at AIAA?

Make a real difference in the aerospace industry! Assist us in positioning aerospace for its exciting future while celebrating the industry’s pioneering accomplishments. As an AIAA employee, you will enjoy competitive compensation and benefits including:

• 37.5-hr work week
• 11 holidays + vacation and sick leave
• Great location off the Dulles Toll Road near the new Reston Silver Line Metro
• Awarded ‘Best Workplaces for Commuters’ by Fairfax County Transit Authority and the National Center for Transit Research
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance with low co-pays
• 403(b) retirement savings plan with generous match
• Group Term Life insurance
• Long-term and short-term disability
• Educational assistance
• Health club subsidy

About AIAA

AIAA is the largest aerospace professional society in the world, serving an innovative, high-value workforce that helps make the world safer, more connected, more accessible, and more prosperous. We represent a profession whose great work has produced everything from the brilliant innovations that affect daily living to the major missions that fuel our collective human drive to explore and to accomplish amazing things.

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

12700 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 200

Reston, VA 20191

www.aiaa.org