Rice University · 1 day ago
Assistant General Counsel
Houston, TX
Full-time
Hybrid
Entry, Mid Level
$175K/yr - $200K/yr
2+ years expRice University is a prestigious institution located in Houston, Texas, known for its commitment to excellence in education and research. They are seeking an Assistant General Counsel to provide strategic gift assistance and policy advice, collaborating with various departments to support fundraising efforts and manage legal aspects of complex gift arrangements.
EducationHigher EducationService IndustryUniversities
Responsibilities
Draft complex pledge and gift agreements and liaise with RMC
Support the work of development officers in closing complex gift arrangements and work with external advisors and Rice officials to complete gift documents
Draft endowment agreements where a donor interest or gift situation requires a unique or complex solution, especially involving restrictions on use/designation
Assist in responding to donor/advisor/fundraiser questions regarding Long Term Pool – timing of additions, distributions, taxes and assessments, investment returns, and other related matters
Provide advice regarding fund accounting and reporting
Liaise with RMC regarding acceptance and appropriate liquidation strategies for gifts of complex business interests
Enhance campus-wide risk management as it relates to development activities
Oversee and manage a reputational risk assessment and review process
Create, oversee, and manage a standardized gift agreement template/review process across the university
Provide Gift Planning/Estate and Trust Administration support
Assist in drafting charitable remainder trust and charitable gift annuity agreements and related documents; negotiate those with donors and their advisors
Provide advice regarding potential tax implications to the donor and the university of potential gifts with complex or unusual structures or situations
Represent the university in routine probate and trust administration matters
Provide strategic advice for charitable trust and deferred giving programs
Assist in developing, refining and interpreting gift planning guidelines and policies
Review marketing materials as needed to ensure technical accuracy and appropriate clarity regarding the role of gift planners vs. professional advisors
Lead the Gift Policy Committee
Conduct due diligence on proposed gifts of privately held assets and other intangible personal property
Assist the Real Estate Office in conducting due diligence on proposed gifts of real estate
Assist the Executive Director of Gift Planning Giving with regard to evaluating proposed gifts of life insurance, intellectual property, and outdoor objects
Work closely with colleagues in the Office of the General Counsel (OGC)
Represent the interests of fundraising and alumni offices campus-wide in dealings with colleagues in the OGC
Collaborate with colleagues in the OGC regarding establishing, reviewing, and updating university policies and procedures that affect development efforts, such as naming approval requirements, memorial gift policies, gift acceptance and disposition, among others
Work closely with the Data Services team in DAR
Coordinate and oversee the drafting and revision of gift receipt templates and other donor-facing materials; assist in revising policies and procedures
Assist in determining how to receive, liquidate, record, value, and process gifts of complex assets
Collaborate regarding international fundraising
Provide advice to fundraisers regarding international gifts, identifying potential issues and solutions
Oversee the creation and management of appropriate entities and/or vehicles for the receipt of offshore gifts, overseeing engagement with third parties to accept offshore gifts as needed
Collaborate regarding fundraising campaigns
Draft campaign counting guidelines and interpret the application thereof
Draft matching gift rule sets
Perform all other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school
At least 2 years' experience as a practicing attorney
At least 2 years of demonstrated experience in major, planned, and principal gift fundraising, including significant experience working with financial advisors, accountants, and attorneys
Either (a) an active license to practice law in Texas, or (b) an active license to practice law in another US jurisdiction and the ability to become licensed in Texas at the earliest opportunity
Commitment to Rice University's mission
Demonstrated ability to handle multiple, complex fundraising activities simultaneously and coordinate solicitation strategies in a decentralized environment
Collegiality, a willingness to support colleagues, and a commitment to the multicultural, multinational environment of a major research university
Commitment to expeditious, high-quality service to our clients and dedication to work the hours required to meet those expectations
Excellent verbal and written communications skills
Strong 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
Strong interest and commitment to sharing knowledge with colleagues through effective training programs
Preferred
MBA degree
3+ years of the experience specified above, preferably with an institution of higher education
Ability to demonstrate good judgment in dynamic situations
High emotional intelligence and ability to think strategically
Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
Proficiency with a fundraising CRM and strong data-driven orientation
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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