Director of Development - Parent and Family Philanthropy

Rice University•Houston, TX

66d•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Senior Director, Parent and Family Philanthropy, the Director of Development - Parent and Family Philanthropy will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift prospects within a regional portfolio, with a focus on parents of current students who are capable of making gifts at the $100K to $4.9M level. Additionally, the Director of Development - Parent and Family Philanthropy will play a crucial role in achieving the team's fundraising goals by developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies, including volunteer management, to secure significant financial support. The role will require regular travel and will involve building a strategic plan for the region, integrating cultivation of prospects by the President, Provost, Deans, and other high-level partners. The ideal candidate is an entrepreneurial self-starter with a demonstrated track record of securing major gift commitments and has a proven ability to refine and actualize campaign priorities in conjunction with key academic partners and administration. This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change. Must possess (or have the ability to obtain within 30 days of hire) and maintain a valid driver's license issued by the state of residence 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. Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree
5+ years of related experience raising leadership gifts at the $50,000+ level with demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major individual gifts
Ability to develop and initiate new strategies relevant to donor cultivation/solicitation
Advanced problem-solving skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work well under pressure and manage projects simultaneously
Strong organizational and time management skills
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
Strong data analysis skills
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
Strong attention to detail and ability to quickly understand and remember pertinent information about alumni/donors and projects to which they are assigned
Excellent interpersonal skills
Travel is required for this position and will comprise 60% of job responsibilities, including occasional weekends in support of special projects and events
Comfortable working in an open office environment
Must possess (or have the ability to obtain within 30 days of hire) and maintain a valid driver's license issued by the state of residence 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

Individual major gift fundraising experience at a complex higher education institution or at a regional/national non-profit
Experience working as a regional major gift officer, preferably in parent fundraising
Fundraising experience during a comprehensive capital campaign
Experience with securing commitments involving gift planning
Knowledge of fundraising database software

Responsibilities

Develops and manages a portfolio of major gift prospects through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors with an emphasis on $100,000+ gifts
Identifies fundraising priorities and devises plans and strategies to accomplish goals
Works collaboratively with faculty and development colleagues in support of fundraising initiatives
Collaborates on development-related communications and events
Performs all other duties as assigned

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume