Director of Development at Rice University in Houston, Texas

Job Description:

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for at least three professional references with your application.

Position Summary

Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy is seeking a Director of Development to lead the planning, organization, management and development of major gifts at the $100,000+ level. Responsibilities include the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gift prospects. The director will also serve as the senior manager for the institute's core development team - consisting of an associate director of membership, an associate director of stewardship and a constituent relations officer - and oversee the development and implementation of fundraising strategy, processes and procedures across the Baker Institute.

The position will have considerable interaction with the Baker Institute Board of Advisors and coordinate with both the Board Chairman, Baker Institute Director, and the director's office to organize the board and cultivate the support of board members. The Development Director will work closely with the institute's Director of Development for the Center for Energy Studies as well as the research, finance and administrative staff of the institute to ensure full internal coordination. S/he will also serve as the liaison to Rice University's Development and Alumni Relations and the development programs, issues, traditions, needs and priorities of the university.

Ideal Candidate Statement

The ideal candidate will have prior experience as a key contributor to a small- or mid-sized fundraising team at a university or research organization, with an emphasis on major gift proposals and an interest in public policy.

Hybrid Position

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. The incumbent is expected to work on campus at least four days per week during the academic year. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range

The expected hiring salary for the position is $130,000 to $160,000 per year.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• Five years of total experience, with at least three years of successful major gift or foundation fundraising experience. Total experience may include work in higher education, nonprofit organizations, or public policy.
  
  
  • In lieu of the education/experience requirement, additional related education and/or experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
  
  

Skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, especially in preparing effective fundraising proposals
• Professional demeanor with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of internal and external contacts
• Ability to understand and relate to the needs and interests of individual donors and members of philanthropic groups
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to coordinate and prioritize a variety of complex tasks with minimal supervision using sound judgment
• Proven ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills with a strong attention to detail

Preferences

• Five or more years of major gift or other fundraising experience, including in an institution of higher education or policy research organization. Previous experience managing a small team of membership-focused development officers is preferred.
• Certified Fund Raising Professional (CFRE).
• Knowledge of fundraising database software and data retrieval processes
• Ability to read and interpret academic policy research and communicate ideas in a concise and informative style
  
  
  • Plans, implements and manages the Baker Institute's fundraising programs outside of the institute's Center for Energy Studies, with an emphasis on major gift prospects at the $100,000+ level.
  
  

Essential Functions

• Maintains a portfolio of prospects through the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors.
• Manages the institute's core development team - consisting of an associate director of membership, an associate director of stewardship and a constituent relations officer - and oversee the development and implementation of fundraising strategy, processes and procedures across the Baker Institute.
  
  
  • Works with the Baker Institute director, fellows, scholars, and senior management to create an annual development plan with goals and objectives for the benefit of institute in consultation with institute leadership, and provide regular progress updates toward those goals.
  • Ensure appropriate communication and coordination with the Baker Institute's Grants Specialist and the Center for Energy Studies' Director of Development in alignment with institute and university fundraising policies and procedures.
  
  
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

• Regularly attend institute events to develop relationships and solicit donor prospects. On occasion, participate in small roundtable discussions and other events to welcome guests and introduce speakers.
  
  
  • With the guidance of the Baker Institute Director and Chairman of the Baker Institute Board of Advisors, facilitate board and committee meetings by preparing for the involvement of board leadership, creating materials to support board efforts, and presenting updates on the status of fundraising objectives.
  
  

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

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

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.

About Us

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, 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.

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