Associate Director, Development Communications

Rice University•Houston, TX

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director, Development Communications helps shape the voice of Rice University’s fundraising efforts through persuasive storytelling and strategic communications. As part of a collaborative team of writers, designers, and fundraising communications professionals, this role develops donor-focused narratives and materials that inspire generosity and strengthen relationships. The position also leads creative strategy on select projects, working with stakeholders to develop concepts and align messaging with strategic goals. The role produces and edits a broad range of fundraising communications, including case statements and proposals, executive-level correspondence, donor stories, magazine articles, web content, and marketing collateral. It requires strong research, writing, editing, collaboration, and project-management skills, along with the ability to tailor communications for diverse audiences and balance creative work with operational demands. This is a hybrid position combining in-office and remote work. Work arrangements may be subject to change under Rice policy. The position is exempt (salaried) and is not eligible for overtime. Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume, preferably as PDFs; the cover letter should include a link to an online portfolio of work samples.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in English, liberal arts, journalism, or a related field.
Three or more years of related professional writing experience.
Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to synthesize a diverse array of input and data.
Advanced knowledge of multiple media formats.
Advanced knowledge of AP style.
Advanced Microsoft Office skills.

Nice To Haves

Five or more years of professional writing and editing experience.
Experience writing for development within higher education.
Experience working with clients and managing customer relationships, including faculty, deans, and fundraisers.
Experience working in a nonprofit fundraising campaign or initiative.

Responsibilities

Research and develop compelling narratives that advance the university’s fundraising priorities, translating complex information into case statements, proposals, and donor-focused content.
Write persuasive case prospectuses and proposals for major gift and principal gift solicitations, tailoring content to high-level donors.
Produce donor stories, magazine articles, web content, and marketing collateral that encourage engagement and generosity.
Edit and refine copy from other writers for clarity, accuracy, and consistency with Rice style and tone.
Write and edit executive-level communications on behalf of university leadership, including donor acknowledgments.
Collaborate across teams to create donor-centric communications that strengthen relationships and support results.
Lead creative strategy sessions for fundraising initiatives, including brainstorming concepts, pitching ideas, and aligning messaging with donor motivations.
Develop fundraising materials for schools, departments, and special initiatives.
Engage faculty, administrators, volunteers, donors, and other stakeholders to gather insights and stories for donor communications.
Balance drafting, editing, collaboration, meetings, and other operational demands to advance strategic projects.
Perform other duties as assigned.