Special Instructions to Applicants

Please submit a cover letter and resume or curriculum vitae with application materials.

Position Summary

Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy seeks an exceptionally well-qualified individual to serve as the associate director for membership. Working as part of the development team reporting to the institute’s director of development, the position will be responsible for:

1) The institute’s premier membership group — the Baker Institute Roundtable 
2) The membership forums within the institute’s Center for Health and Biosciences, the Center for the United States and Mexico, and others that may be added in the future;
3) Other annual solicitations contributing to the institute’s general funds.

S/he is expected to develop and maintain strong relationships with the community of Baker Institute supporters with a specific focus on identifying, cultivating and establishing new relationships to increase annual giving to the institute through these membership groups.

The associate director for membership will work in a collaborative and fast-paced environment to build the Baker Institute brand with potential members in the Houston community and beyond. The position will help advance a comprehensive account management model involving key stakeholders that includes: (1) identifying, cultivating and managing a portfolio of membership prospects; (2) engaging prospective members to identify interests and provide information about member benefits; (3) soliciting prospects to become members or increase membership levels; (4) analyzing and reporting on membership and giving trends; and (5) maintaining an awareness of other prospective donors and passing on leads to the appropriate development officer.

Ideal candidates should have annual giving experience in support of a research organization or institution of higher education with a demonstrated ability to increase membership revenue.

Founded in 1993, Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy has established itself as one of the premier nonpartisan public policy think tanks in the country. As an integral part of Rice University, the Baker Institute has a strong track record of achievement based on the work of its fellows, scholars, Rice faculty scholars and staff. The Institute collaborates with experts from academia, government, the media, business, and nongovernmental and private organizations.

Workplace Requirements

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration.

Proposed Hiring Range

The expected hiring salary for the position is $60,000 to $70,000 per year. 

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree 
• Two years of related professional fundraising experience with experience in membership, annual giving, marketing, sales, consulting services, and/or another closely related field

Skills 

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite 
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Strong time management and organizational skills 
• Ability to work in a busy environment with deadlines 
• Dedication to service, professionalism and courtesy

Preferences

• At least one year of event/logistics planning in an academic or non-profit setting as well as prior experience hosting dignitaries or other VIPs is preferred.
• Experience working to cultivate and solicit individuals for membership or alumni groups at a large nonprofit or educational institution
• Interest in and knowledge of major public policy issues preferred
• Sales experience 
• Knowledge of fundraising database software, especially Blackbaud CRM
• Strong interest in and familiarity with policy issues in one or more of the following areas: health and bioscience; energy and the environment; entrepreneurship and economic growth; or international affairs and U.S. foreign policy

Essential Functions

• Works with a portfolio of assigned prospects/donors to cultivate, solicit, and steward their support
• Develops fundraising strategies, and tracks and analyzes results of development activities
• Directs member engagement and benefit delivery, including organizing and hosting member-exclusive events, programs and initiatives
• Monitors, analyzes, and reports on overall results to internal and external constituencies, as needed
• Develops and manages membership appeals to target key populations to maximize fundraising potential
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions / Information

• Provides overall strategic direction for the institute’s membership fundraising activities and reports results to the institute’s director of development
• Supports center-based donor forums 
• Develops and implements other annual solicitations for the institute’s general funds.

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Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels. It considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.