Executive Director, Prospect Management and Development Research and Analysis

Rice University has retained Lindauer, an executive search firm, to assist in this search. Consideration of candidates will continue until the position is filled. Candidates should submit, in confidence, a resume and cover letter. Communications, nominations, applications, and inquiries concerning this search should be directed to Raegan Harvey, Senior Consultant, and Alex Barber, Senior Consultant,

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice's culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary:

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.

The ideal candidate is a highly collaborative leader and strategic thinker with a demonstrated track record and the proven ability to create and implement a successful and effective large-scale program.

Workplace Requirements:

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.

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum 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

Skills:

• Leadership and strategic management skills
• Demonstrated expertise in managing and motivating teams in a complex or matrixed environment
• Advanced strategic analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to synthesize complex data and recommend action
• High level of data fluency
• Ability to understand both the theoretical and the practical aspects of analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to manage a large number of project activities simultaneously
• Strong ability to show good judgment and diplomacy
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedules
• Mastery and curiosity around research resource materials and prospect management theory and methodologies consistent with APRA's Advanced Body of Knowledge
• High ethical standards, discretion, and a commitment to confidentiality in handling sensitive donor information
• Project management, planning, and budgeting expertise

Preferences:

• 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

Essential Functions:

• Key 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.
• Prospect Research and Intelligence:
• 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.
• Prospect Management and Pipeline Development:
• 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.
• Data Analytics, Visualization, and Reporting:
• 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.
• Team Leadership and Collaboration:
• 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.
• Process Improvement and Innovation:
• 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.
• Compliance and Reporting:
• 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.

Additional Functions:

• Interact with:
• Rice University fundraising colleagues – to provide support and partnership in the identification, cultivation, solicitation and retention of donors.
• DAR Leadership – to consult with and coordinate work within the university structure to aid in the identification of tools and processes that support prospect research, prospect management, and data analytics.
• Staff – to train and oversee their work and to establish priorities.
• Peers/professional organizations – to obtain advice and counsel on options being considered for programs.

Rice University HR | Benefits:

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University's Disability Resource Center at or for support.

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. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.