Rice University · 2 months ago
Associate Vice President for Development
Cambridge 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77005, US
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
7+ years expRice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities and is seeking an Associate Vice President for Development. This role involves providing leadership to the individual giving program, developing philanthropic strategies, and managing major gift prospects.
EducationHigher EducationService IndustryUniversities
Responsibilities
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
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
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
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
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's Degree
7+ years of successful major gift (front-line) fundraising experience
At least three years of experience leading a team of development professionals and working with deans, faculty, and senior administrators in fundraising initiatives
Commitment to Rice University's mission
Strong leadership and strategic management skills
Keen understanding of fundraising best practices
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to lead and motivate others
Ability to manage a large number of fundraising activities simultaneously
Ability to engage and motivate groups of diverse individuals
Excellent attention to detail
Advanced problem-solving skills
Strong organizational and time management skills
High level of creativity, initiative, and motivation
Ability to work well under pressure and manage projects simultaneously
Team orientation and willingness to set an example for real leadership
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, showing good judgment and diplomacy
Strong interest and commitment to sharing knowledge with colleagues through effective training programs
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
Preferred
Master's degree
8+ years of the experience specified above
5+ years of fundraising experience at an institution of higher education
Experience working on a significant fundraising campaign within a higher education institution
Experience as a regional and/or school-based fundraising officer
Demonstrating a good sense of humor and maintaining a positive outlook are highly valued
Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
Proficiency with fundraising CRM and strong data-driven orientation
Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) certification
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
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