Director of Development, Kinder Institute for Urban Research

Special Instructions to Applicants: In PDF format, applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application. 

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 Kinder Institute for Urban Research is seeking a full-time Director of Development to lead, plan and manage the day-to-day of the organization’s development department and complex major gift support for the institute’s fundraising priorities. The ideal candidate has extensive fundraising skills and experience in creating and leading fundraising strategies, campaigns and initiatives at all donor levels; has established relationships and a demonstrated ability to build new relationships while securing individual donors, corporate gifts and endowments in support of the organization’s strategic goals. The Director of Development is part of the institute’s external affairs division, reporting to the Executive Director of Strategic Communications and External Relations and partnering with the institute’s Director to support the organization in maximizing its fundraising potential. The position collaborates with Rice’s Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) teams. 

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research (KIUR) aims to improve lives through data, research, engagement and action. The institute is currently expanding to build out five research centers focused on key aspects shaping the social and cultural landscape of the Houston area. The five research centers will conduct research on housing, education, public health, economic mobility and inequality, and population dynamics. KIUR uses a research-practice partnership (RPP) model to jointly design, develop, and do research that values diversity in expertise and centers the community in identifying the most pressing questions and challenges facing Houston.   

Workplace Requirements

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. [3 days in-office/2 days remote]. 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 
• Seven years of successful major gift fundraising experience at the $100K level with demonstrated success at the $250K level  
• Skills:  
  • Adept at developing and initiating new strategies  
  • Advanced problem-solving skills  
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills  
  • Ability to work well under pressure and manage projects simultaneously  
  • Exceptional organizational and time management skills  
  • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite  
  • Adept at creating contingency plans, handling issues when necessary and has a solution-focused mindset 
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team 
  • Excellent client service orientation and attention to detail 
  • Ability to lead and motivate others 
  • Strategic skills to craft and implement fundraising and/or project plans 
  • Ability to quickly understand and remember details about alumni and donors and projects 

Preferences

• Seven years of the experience specified above with an institution of higher education  
• Working knowledge of fundraising database software 
• Licenses/Certifications: Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE)  
• Adaptable to change
• Exceptional writer
• Strong experience in planning large-scale special events. 

Essential Functions

• Develops and manages a portfolio of major gift prospects through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors with an emphasis on $250,000 gifts 
• Identifies fundraising priorities and devises plans and strategies to accomplish goals 
• Works collaboratively with Kinder Institute leadership as well as Rice faculty and development colleagues in support of fundraising initiatives 
• Collaborates on development-related communication and events and is able to work cross-functionally and closely with the institute’s center directors 
• Leads, manages and serves as a coach to the development team  
• Oversees the institute’s development events and may be required to attend after-hours events 
• Maintains and analyzes donor reports 
• Performs all other duties as assigned 

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

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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.

Salary : $100,000 - $250,000