Associate Vice President for Development

Rice University•Houston, TX

50d•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to and working with the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, the Associate Vice President for Development provides leadership, evaluation, and mentoring to the individual giving program, coordinating efforts to maximize philanthropic support for Rice University. The Associate Vice President for Development is a main point of contact with campus leadership, working to develop philanthropic and fundraising strategies, managing the participation of deans and other university leaders in philanthropy, and preparing them for prospect meetings and solicitations. As a senior member of the fundraising team, this person is a member of the principal gifts team and manages a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects capable of gifts at the $1M+ level while managing the frontline fundraising operation, which includes Annual Giving, Major Gifts, Gift Planning, and Parents fundraising programs. As a senior leader in the division, this position serves on the division's leadership team and the campaign steering committee in an effort to maintain and improve the efficiency of Development and Alumni Relations' work while continuing to advance an already excellent donor experience.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree
7+ years of successful major gift (front-line) fundraising experience
At least three years of experience leading a team of development professionals and working with deans, faculty, and senior administrators in fundraising initiatives
Commitment to Rice University's mission
Strong leadership and strategic management skills
Keen understanding of fundraising best practices
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to lead and motivate others
Ability to manage a large number of fundraising activities simultaneously
Ability to engage and motivate groups of diverse individuals
Excellent attention to detail
Advanced problem-solving skills
Strong organizational and time management skills
High level of creativity, initiative, and motivation
Ability to work well under pressure and manage projects simultaneously
Team orientation and willingness to set an example for real leadership
Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedules
Adept at problem-solving, creating contingency plans, and handling issues when necessary, showing good judgment and diplomacy
Strong interest and commitment to sharing knowledge with colleagues through effective training programs
Must possess (or have the ability to obtain within 30 days of hire) and maintain a valid Texas driver's license with no more than three moving violations and/or at-fault accidents within the past 36 months, and no convictions or deferred dispositions for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) within the past five years.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree
8+ years of the experience specified above
5+ years of fundraising experience at an institution of higher education
Experience working on a significant fundraising campaign within a higher education institution
Experience as a regional and/or school-based fundraising officer
Demonstrating a good sense of humor and maintaining a positive outlook are highly valued
Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
Proficiency with fundraising CRM and strong data-driven orientation
Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) certification

Responsibilities

Serve as a strategic leader to strengthen the culture of philanthropy at Rice University and advance a culture of performance excellence within Development and Alumni Relations.
Leverage strong communication skills to articulate Rice University's mission, vision, and values in ways that resonate with all constituents and inspire philanthropic engagement from alumni, parents and families, and community members.
Coach and develop the Individual Giving team, which includes Annual Giving, Major Gifts, and Gift Planning, through strategic mentorship, clear goal alignment, and impactful performance management.
Drive cohesive strategy development and execution across the campus, ensuring alignment with the university's top fundraising priorities and long-term vision.
Ensure organizational accountability through the consistent application of Development and Alumni Relations policies and procedures.
Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive fundraising strategies.
Personally manage a portfolio of high-level prospects and work in close partnership with university leadership (Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, President, Deans) to cultivate and solicit transformational gifts.
Serve as strategist and thought partner on $1M+ prospects.
Serve as a member of the Development and Alumni Relations leadership team.
Contribute to divisional strategic planning and operational excellence.
Serve as a senior advisor to the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations on fundraising matters.
Perform all other duties as assigned.