Associate Director of Development

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants please attach a cover letter and resume in Pdf format.

About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary:

The Associate Director of Development is responsible for managing a portfolio of major gift donors and advancing philanthropic support for Rice University through strategic fundraising initiatives. The role identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donor prospects, targeting philanthropic commitments of $25,000 to $100,000+ across all schools and programs.

Responsibilities include developing and executing data-informed engagement strategies, aligning donor interests with institutional priorities, and contributing to overall fundraising performance. By the end of the second year, the position is expected to maintain an active portfolio of 85 to 100 prospects and achieve annual fundraising outcomes of $500,000 to $750,000 or more. The position works collaboratively with development colleagues, faculty, and cross-functional partners and reports to the Senior Director of Development. 

The ideal candidate is an entrepreneurial and focused fundraiser who is successful in engaging high-capacity prospects in ways that lead to closing significant gifts. 

Workplace Requirements:

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change. 

Must possess (or have the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire) and maintain a valid Texas driver’s license with no more than three moving violations and/or at fault accidents within the past 36 months, and no convictions or deferred dispositions for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) within the past five years.

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Two or more (2+) years of successful professional fundraising or equivalent experience with a demonstrated track record of soliciting, closing and stewarding gifts of $25,000+

Skills:

• Ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including proposal development and presentation
• Ability to analyze information and apply insights to inform strategy and decision-making
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Proficiency with CRM systems and standard office software
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail

Preferences:

• Experience in higher education or nonprofit fundraising environments
• Experience supporting or contributing to capital campaigns or major gift initiatives
• Exposure to planned giving, corporate, or foundation fundraising
• Familiarity with donor management systems and reporting tools
• Experience managing a donor or prospect portfolio
• Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) credential or equivalent experience
• Interest in or appreciation for Rice University’s mission and programs

Essential Functions:

• Manages a portfolio of major gift prospects through identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Develops and implements strategies to advance donor relationships and achieve fundraising goals
• Secures philanthropic commitments in the range of $25,000 to $100,000 or more
• Builds and maintains relationships with donors, alumni, faculty, and university leadership
• Prepares and presents proposals that align donor interests with institutional priorities
• Collaborates with colleagues across Development and Alumni Relations and academic units to coordinate engagement strategies
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation of activity in CRM systems
• Monitors performance against established metrics and adjusts strategies as needed
• Supports departmental and university-wide fundraising initiatives
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions:

• Travels locally, regionally, and nationally to support donor engagement
• Participates in evening and weekend activities as required
• Represents the university in interactions with external audiences, including donors and alumni
• Engages regularly with internal partners and university stakeholders

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.