Rice University · 1 week ago
Executive Director, Prospect Management and Development Research and Analysis
Houston, TX
Full-time
Hybrid
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
5+ years expRice University is a prestigious institution located in Houston, Texas, known for its academic excellence and commitment to community values. The Executive Director, Prospect Management and Development Research and Analysis will provide strategic leadership for prospect research and analytics to support fundraising efforts, ensuring alignment with the university's philanthropic goals.
EducationHigher EducationService IndustryUniversities
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
Qualification
Required
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
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
Preferred
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
Company
Rice University
Rice University is a private research university that focuses on providing undergraduate education services.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Rice University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (113)
2024 (81)
2023 (71)
2022 (65)
2021 (82)
2020 (86)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$80.9MKey Investors
National Heart, Lung and Blood InstituteAdvanced Research Projects Agency for HealthUS Department of Energy
2024-09-19Grant
2024-08-13Grant· $18M
2023-07-27Grant
Leadership Team
Ken Medlock
James A Baker III and Susan G Baker Fellow in Energy and Resource Economics
Kyle Judah
Executive Director, Liu Idea Lab for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (Lilie)
Recent News
2025-12-16
2025-12-16
2025-11-23
Company data provided by crunchbase