Assistant Director, Foundation Relations

Rice University•Houston, TX

60d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Director, Foundation Relations will work on the Foundation Relations team and engage with faculty members, university leadership, and Development and Alumni Relations colleagues to identify, investigate, analyze, organize, and evaluate foundation prospects for research and university funding by researching relevant databases and information sources, analyzing emerging trends in foundation philanthropy, and understanding Rice University's priorities and strengths. In addition, the Assistant Director, Foundation Relations will support stewardship communication efforts on the Foundation Relations team. The ideal candidate is curious and excited about emerging trends in philanthropy, is experienced in converting research into effective strategic recommendations, possesses strong written and verbal communication skills, understands university research and grant development, and thrives in a collaborative working environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree
1+ years of related professional work experience researching foundations and grant opportunities, working in a fundraising environment, and/or working in library sciences, information sciences, or a related field
Demonstrated ability to efficiently and effectively search, retrieve, and synthesize information from public databases and filings, particularly IRS Form 990-PF and 990-T, to extract key details on private foundation structure, assets, giving history, grantmaking patterns, trustee/staff affiliations, and financial capacity
Proficiency with specialized prospect research tools (e.g., Foundation Center/Candid, etc.) and a foundational understanding of their underlying methodologies
Ability to navigate complex, non-standardized private foundation websites, annual reports, and digital repositories to identify specific program interests, funding priorities, eligibility requirements, application processes, and strategic plans that align with university research
Skill in utilizing advanced search engine techniques and monitoring tools (e.g., Google Alerts, specialized news aggregators) to track foundation news, leadership changes, grant announcements, and emerging philanthropic trends in real-time
Skill in developing clear, concise, and persuasive written research briefs, profiles, and pipeline reports for varied internal audiences (faculty, foundation relations officers, deans, and vice presidents)
Ability to utilize time management and project management skills to work well under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously
Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite and Google products
Strong verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedules

Nice To Haves

Master's degree
2+ years of professional work experience in one or more of the following:
Prospect research
Corporate or foundation fundraising
Grants writing and management
High level of maturity and emotional intelligence with the capability of exercising good judgment
Understanding of the structure, mission, and funding landscape of a major Research I (R1) university, including familiarity with diverse research disciplines (STEM, humanities, social sciences, medicine, etc.) and common institutional priorities
Knowledge of fundraising database software and public records

Responsibilities

Takes part in faculty and research staff meetings to understand funding needs and inform research funding strategies
Builds actionable and strategic prospect research plans and documentation in collaboration with faculty and Foundation Relations team members
Collaborates with Foundation Relations team members to understand foundation RFP cycles and deadlines, plan action items and next steps, and prepare background materials for foundation visits and meetings
Maintains an actionable record of institutional priorities and foundation opportunities
Assists with university-wide communication of requests for proposals, emerging funding opportunities, etc.
Assists in preparing stewardship reports conveying institutional history and giving
Performs other duties as assigned
Collaborates with campus partners in the Office of Research
Manages multiple projects effectively while executing tasks and meeting deadlines
Updates and monitors data in OwlConnect, the campus-wide CRM
Works in an open office environment
Involves limited local and infrequent out-of-town travel