Associate Director of Development, Kinder Institute for Urban Research

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a cover letter and a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application. We suggest the documents be in a PDF format to avoid formatting issues. To be considered for this position, all supplemental questions must be answered.

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 how 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 Kinder Institute for Urban Research seeks a full-time Associate Director of Development who will be part of the Kinder Institute development team in the External Affairs Division and will engage in fundraising programs for annual operating support, corporate and foundation grants, individual major gifts, and event sponsorships. The position reports to the Director of Development. 

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research aims to improve lives through data, research, engagement, and action. The institute is currently working to build out five research centers focused on critical aspects shaping the social and cultural landscape of the Houston area. The five centers will research housing, education, public health, economic mobility and inequality, and population dynamics. Each center will investigate its particular topic area and will work across centers. To achieve this, each center is building interdisciplinary teams specializing in solutions-oriented research while using a research-practice partnership (RPP) model to jointly design, develop, and conduct research that values diversity in expertise and prioritizes the community in identifying and addressing some of the most pressing questions and challenges facing Houston to inform decision-making and bring about change in the region.  

The ideal candidate is an organized and proactive problem-solver who can manage multiple tasks and priorities and is comfortable engaging with donors. Experience with both event planning and implementation and direct donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship is required. A strong customer service/donor relations background and the ability to collaborate with team members in a fast-paced environment is preferred. 

Workplace Requirements

This position offers a hybrid work schedule within Harris County and surrounding counties, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. *Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree 
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis. 
• Three years of related experience in fundraising, and development, preferably at an education institution or nonprofit
• Skills
  • Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills 
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills 
  • Data analysis skills
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, Google Workspace, Monday.com, and Blackbaud products
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedules 
  • Attention to detail and ability to quickly understand and remember details about alumni/donors and projects to which they are assigned

Preferences

• Experience working in a fundraising or CRM database system
• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Flexibility 
• Good judgment and interpersonal skills 
• Familiarity with fundraising in a higher education environment 
• Experience planning, managing, and supporting large-scale event logistics

Essential Functions

• Helps plan, manage, and coordinate event logistics and sponsorship fundraising 
• Maintains a portfolio of major gift prospects through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors 
• Guides the development and execution of a plan to generate annual operating support and helps solicit gifts from constituents via direct mail, email, and social media 
• Identifies fundraising priorities and devises plans and strategies to accomplish goals
• Works collaboratively with Kinder Institute leadership and colleagues and Rice Development and Alumni Relations offices in support of fundraising initiatives, among others
• Collaborates on development-related communications and events
• Helps solicit gifts from KIUR constituents via direct mail, email, and social media 
• Tracks and reports metrics of annual appeals and sponsorship activities
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

• Helps share the mission, work, and achievements of KIUR
• Manages and coordinates event volunteers
• Maintains accurate and timely information in Owl Connect

Kinder Institute for Urban Research https://kinder.rice.edu/

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

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Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels and 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.

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and the full inclusion of all qualified persons in the workplace. This commitment includes providing reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities. For applicants with disabilities who require 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.