Development Operations Specialist

Rice University•Houston, TX

1d•$56,000 - $65,000•Onsite

About The Position

Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy is seeking well-qualified candidates for the position of Development Operations Specialist to assist with the organization and management of the Institute’s fundraising activities. Reporting to the Director of Development, the position supports the development team and provides administrative and operational support for all development activities. The Development Operations Specialist plays a key role by efficiently managing administrative functions of the department, ensuring smooth operations and effective communication within the team and with external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, attentive to detail, and have previous experience working closely with donors and/or other constituent groups for a nonprofit organization or in a higher education setting. This position is primarily on-site, requiring most duties to be performed in person. Limited remote work arrangements may be possible to provide flexibility. Occasional evening work is required for donor events. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree
In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
2 years of related work experience
In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Strong client service orientation
Strong data analysis and organizational skills with attention to detail

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with constituent database software, especially Blackbaud CRM
Experience working in development or member relations in a nonprofit or higher education setting

Responsibilities

Manages all gift processing and reporting for the Baker Institute by creating gift memos, generating membership renewals and invoices, and processing and monitoring financial transactions, including resolution of membership discrepancies
Maintains paper and digital donor records and files
Produces and distributes routine fundraising communications and appeals
Serves as the administrative liaison for the Institute’s Roundtable membership groups, including answering membership inquiries, drafting correspondence, and supporting member events
Compiles data to produce reports on donor inquiries, renewals, acknowledgments, and turnover
Assists in the planning and execution of donor-related stewardship and recognition events, including attending key donor events
Coordinates with the events team and Institute staff on administration of events, including post-event expense reconciliation
Assists the development and communications teams to keep fundraising and membership web content updated
Manages donor recognition activities, including updating lists of donors for the Institute’s annual report, print publications, website, and public spaces within Baker Hall
Creates and maintains donor information using the university’s constituent management system, Blackbaud Customer Relationship Management
Liaises with Rice Development and Alumni Relations Office on gift processing, database maintenance, and donor communications
Plans and schedules meetings and events, resolves scheduling conflicts, and arranges travel as needed
Performs all other duties as assigned