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 :
As a member of the Principal Gifts team in the Development and Alumni Relations division at Rice University, the Director of Strategic Initiatives serves as a conduit of information and strategy for the leaders of university initiatives to advance the priorities of each program by partnering with deans, faculty, and university leadership to obtain project concepts and by working with fundraising colleagues on the development of complex proposals.
The ideal candidate for this position will have a demonstrated fundraising track record, will be adept at collaboration and communication, will be an active listener who demonstrates empathy and understanding, and will have strong analytical and problem-solving skills. They will also be an expert at navigating complex situations and projects, and will possess deep passion for education and enthusiasm for Rice University.
Workplace Requirements :
This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. This position currently has a hybrid work arrangement with a minimum of two days per week in the office. Per , work arrangements may be subject to change.
- Exempt (salaried) positions under are not eligible for overtime.
Minimum Requirements :
Bachelor’s Degree8 years of successful professional fundraising experience, including with donors capable of gifts of $1 million or more, and demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-level major gifts2 years of experience in a leadership or supervisory capacityExperience-based ability to recognize high potential giving opportunities, and the knowledge of the giving techniques and strategies to maximize that potentialExperience working with and establishing budgets for fundraising projectsExperience working in a comprehensive fundraising campaignSkills :
Ability to develop and initiate new strategiesAdvanced problem-solving skillsExcellent verbal and written communications skills and interpersonal skillsAbility to understand complex issues within a multifaceted organizationDemonstrated ability to identify main audiences and determine the best way to communicate information to themAbility to establish and maintain effective working relationships with university stakeholders, alumni, and corporate partnersAbility to work well under pressure and manage projects simultaneouslyExcellent organizational and time management skillsExcellent knowledge of Microsoft Office suiteExcellent data analysis skillsAbility to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedulesAbility to express ideas in a group settingAdept at problem solving, creating contingency plans, and handling issues when necessaryExcellent client service orientation and attention to detailAbility to take initiative and collaborate with othersStrategic skills to craft and implement fundraising and / or project plansAbility to be responsive to multiple perspectives and integrate feedback in a way that improves the project at handAbility to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse communityExcellent attention to detail and ability to quickly understand and remember details about alumni / donors and projects to which they are assignedPreferences :
Master’s DegreeProfessional fundraising experience at an institution of higher education or non-profit organizationTrack record of project-related fundraising in a research-intensive organizationExperience working on gifts of $5 million or moreAbility to relate to, and develop excellent working relationships with, senior leadersAbility to earn the confidence and trust of senior leaders and maintain confidentialityAbility to exercise discretion and to make sound independent decisions and judgmentsAbility to display confidence as a mentor and collaboratorPolitical savvy to navigate a complex academic environmentStrong proficiency with fundraising CRM and in using data to inform workflow and drive fundraising prioritiesStrong management skills in working with diverse projects, personalities, and interestsProficiency with development databases (e.g., Blackbaud CRM)Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) certificationEssential Functions :
Plans, organizes and manages the development of complex philanthropic support for fundraising priorities for strategic university initiativesPartners with deans, faculty and university leadership to obtain project conceptsProvides support and guidance to leadership regarding the management and coordination of strategic initiatives and special projectsIdentifies fundraising priorities and develops plans and strategies to accomplish fundraising goalsWorks collaboratively with faculty and development colleagues in support of fundraising initiativesPrepares project or program descriptions, complete with visual elements such as diagrams and charts, that ensure the concepts can be easily understoodPrepares fact sheets and briefs that quickly communicate the core essentials of each programWorks closely with key university offices to develop budget and ROI descriptions and to ensure that the projects and their preparation satisfy university requirementsWorks closely with the research and analysis team on all current projects and those in developmentIdentifies and stewards donor prospects, primarily at the $5M levelWorks with fundraising colleagues on the development of complex proposalsPrepares contact reports that keep all stakeholders informed on project progressCollaborates with leadership to articulate and implement continuous improvement and data-driven decision makingTracks progress on the planning and implementation of strategies and on the achievement of philanthropic supportCollaborates on development-related communications from launch to completion, including remarks, updates, reports, presentation and meeting materialsPerforms other duties as assignedAdditional Functions :
Provides expertise and strategic counsel regarding new development opportunities for evolving programs, as neededServes as interactive and synergistic partner with other teams within Development and Alumni Relations, particularly major gifts, gift planning, research and analysis, constituent relations and development communications, so that all work together to ensure prospects are managed in a manner consistent with best practices known to be most likely to lead to successful fundraising outcomesMay require working flexible hours, including nights and weekendsOccasional travel may be requiredRice Mission and Values :
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.
