Rice University · 2 weeks ago
Associate Director, Development Communications
Houston, TX
Full-time
Hybrid
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
3+ years expRice University is a highly ranked institution known for its commitment to community and excellence. The Associate Director, Development Communications will be responsible for crafting narratives that inspire generosity and strengthen relationships within the university's fundraising efforts.
EducationHigher EducationService IndustryUniversities
Responsibilities
Create persuasive case statements and proposals that drive philanthropic investment
Craft presidential-level correspondence that reflects Rice’s mission and values
Interview donors and stakeholders to develop powerful stories that demonstrate philanthropic impact
Develop compelling marketing content that elevates our brand
Lead creative strategy on select projects — organizing brainstorming sessions, pitching bold concepts and aligning messaging with strategic goals
Research and craft compelling narratives that advance the university’s fundraising priorities, transforming complex information into convincing case statements, proposals and donor-focused content
Write persuasive case prospectuses and proposals for major gift and principal gift solicitations, tailoring content to resonate with high-level donors
Produce high-impact materials including donor stories, magazine articles, web content and marking collateral that inspire engagement and generosity
Edit and refine copy from other writers for clarity, accuracy and adherence to Rice style and tone, ensuring consistency across all development communications
Write and edit executive-level messaging on behalf of university leadership, including donor acknowledgments
Collaborate across teams to deliver creative, donor-centric communications that strengthen relationships and drive results
Lead creative strategy sessions for fundraising initiatives, including brainstorming concepts, pitching ideas and aligning messaging with donor motivations
Develop fundraising materials for schools, departments and special initiatives
Engage with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, administrators, volunteers and donors to gather insights and stories that elevate donor communications
Balance creative work with operational demands, spending significant time drafting, editing and collaborating in meetings to advance strategic projects
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in English, liberal arts, journalism or a related field
In lieu of a bachelor's degree in English, liberal arts, or journalism, a bachelor's degree in any field with a total of 5 years of professional writing experience would be accepted
Three or more (3+) years of related professional writing experience
Advanced written and verbal communication skills
Ability to synthesize a diverse array of input and data
Advanced knowledge of multiple media formats
Advanced knowledge of AP style
Advanced Microsoft Office skills
Preferred
Five or more (5+) years of professional writing and editing experience
Experience writing for development within higher education
Experience working with clients and managing customer relationships (includes faculty, deans and fundraisers)
Experience working in a nonprofit fundraising campaign or initiative
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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