Executive Director, Prospect Management and Development Research and Analysis

Rice University • Houston, TX

74d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Executive Director, Prospect Management and Development Research and Analysis provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for the prospect research, prospect management, and analytics supporting all fundraising and organizational advancement at Rice University. This role oversees the identification, research, and evaluation of potential donors, ensuring alignment with the institution's philanthropic objectives and campaign priorities. As a senior collaborator with development teams, the Executive Director proactively drives innovation in building and managing a robust pipeline of major and principal gift prospects essential for the upcoming campaign's success. In addition, this position champions the adoption and integration of advanced technologies that streamline processes, enhance data-informed decision-making, and directly support the mission and strategic goals of the Development and Alumni Relations division (DAR). This role has a direct impact on the organization's ability to raise major and principal gifts, drive successful fundraising campaigns, and foster long-term donor engagement through data-driven strategy, relationship management, and leadership in prospect research.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree, with a major in Business Administration, Data Analytics, Philanthropy, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in prospect development, advancement, research, data analytics, or a related field, with progressive leadership responsibilities.
• In lieu of the education/experience requirement, additional related education and/or experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in Business Administration, Data Analytics, Philanthropy, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
• 6+ years of the experience specified above, preferably with an institution of higher education.
• Proven track record of effectively working and leading in a large, complex, dynamic, and sophisticated organization.
• Well-developed project management skills, including experience initiating and implementing a new program or project.
• Ability to set a vision and to influence and inspire others to action, as well as a willingness to dig in and understand the work being done at a more granular level.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for the operational oversight of the prospect management, prospect research, and analytics program.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive prospect development and research strategy to support fundraising objectives.
• Provide direction for all prospect identification, qualification, and management activities.
• Set departmental goals, strategic priorities, and performance metrics in alignment with institutional advancement strategy.
• Oversee the collection, evaluation, and reporting of prospect data, including biographic, financial, and philanthropic research to find new prospects and volunteer leaders.
• Prepare comprehensive data-driven prospect profiles and assessments to inform fundraising strategies and leadership decisions.
• Lead prospect management efforts for the department, including conducting portfolio reviews, overseeing a strategic portfolio assignment process, setting portfolio standards and guidelines, tracking portfolio performance, and helping fundraisers with strategic recommendations as they move prospects through the fundraising cycle.
• Work collaboratively with frontline fundraisers and other teams to maximize portfolio philanthropic potential.
• Direct the team's recalibration of portfolios as needed to maximize performance and elevate the highest priority prospects for management.
• Partner with gift officers on portfolio management, cultivation strategies, and fundraising priorities.
• Facilitate regular portfolio review meetings and ensure consistent pipeline optimization and stewardship.
• Serve as the subject matter expert on CRM prospect management system.
• Use advanced analytics, predictive modeling, and data mining to guide the pipeline and inform cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
• Focus on maximizing the potential of data-driven insights and enhancing the efficiency of existing models through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
• Supervise, train, and develop a team of prospect research, prospect management, and data analytics professionals.
• Foster a culture of high performance, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making within the team.
• Work closely with fundraising, advancement, and academic leadership to support comprehensive campaign planning and major gift initiatives.
• Continuously evaluate and improve research methodologies, prospect management practices, and data systems.
• Lead the adoption of new technologies and best practices to enhance data integrity, analytics, and process efficiency.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of trends and innovations within the field.
• Lead a team in executing analytical projects from solution design to implementation.
• Ensure all research, data management, and prospect assignments comply with institutional policies and relevant legal, ethical, and confidentiality guidelines.
• Oversee operating budgets and resource planning for the prospect research, prospect management, and data analytics functions.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree