Associate Vice President for Development

Associate Vice President for DevelopmentReporting 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.The ideal candidate is a highly collaborative leader and strategic thinker with a demonstrated track record of leading development staff through the process of setting and achieving annual and long-range fundraising goals that are data-driven and support fundraising priorities. They should be adept at maximizing, motivating, mentoring, and advocating for talented staff to facilitate team success.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 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.Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.Minimum Requirements:Bachelor's Degree7+ years of successful major gift (front-line) fundraising experienceAt least three years of experience leading a team of development professionals and working with deans, faculty, and senior administrators in fundraising initiativesSkills:Commitment to Rice University's missionStrong leadership and strategic management skillsKeen understanding of fundraising best practicesExcellent analytical and problem-solving skillsExcellent verbal and written communication skillsAbility to lead and motivate othersAbility to manage a large number of fundraising activities simultaneouslyAbility to engage and motivate groups of diverse individualsExcellent attention to detailAdvanced problem-solving skillsStrong organizational and time management skillsHigh level of creativity, initiative, and motivationAbility to work well under pressure and manage projects simultaneouslyTeam orientation and willingness to set an example for real leadershipAbility to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedulesAdept at problem-solving, creating contingency plans, and handling issues when necessary, showing good judgment and diplomacyStrong interest and commitment to sharing knowledge with colleagues through effective training programsPreferences:Master's degree8+ years of the experience specified above5+ years of fundraising experience at an institution of higher educationExperience working on a significant fundraising campaign within a higher education institutionExperience as a regional and/or school-based fundraising officerDemonstrating a good sense of humor and maintaining a positive outlook are highly valuedDemonstrated experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)Proficiency with fundraising CRM and strong data-driven orientationCertified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) certificationEssential Functions:Strategic Leadership and Team Development: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.Strategy and Major Gift Development: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.Administrative Leadership and Planning: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.Additional Functions:Requires extensive contact within the university at all levels, including upper-level administration.Requires extensive contact outside the university with donors, alumni, parents, and friends of Rice University.Up to 30% out-of-town travel is required.Some evening and weekend work is required.Rice University HR | BenefitsRice Mission and Values