Special Instructions to Applicants :
All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.
About Rice :
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 :
Reporting to the Director of Marketing and Donor Growth (Annual Giving), the Associate Director, School and Unit Marketing (Annual Giving) is a forward-thinking, highly innovative strategic partner who collaborates across teams at Rice University to execute sophisticated, university-wide direct marketing fundraising strategies. This position is crucial in implementing a unified, pan-Rice approach to annual giving by incorporating schools and units into holistic fundraising efforts. This role will be responsible for fostering meaningful relationships with school and unit partners, understanding their individual fundraising priorities and donor bases, and guiding direct marketing fundraising efforts to ensure progress toward institutional goals.
The ideal candidate is a relationship-builder and strategic annual giving leader passionate about leveraging modern fundraising and marketing practices in support of higher education. This person thrives in a collaborative environment and is a hands-on contributor who enjoys developing powerful digital and direct marketing fundraising campaigns.
Workplace Requirements :
This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Work arrangements may be subject to change.
- Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.
Minimum Requirements :
Bachelor's degree2+ years of related experience in development, direct marketing, digital marketing, communications, or a related fieldIn lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substitutedSkills :
Proven track record of building relationships and developing strategic partnershipsAbility to develop and initiate new strategiesExceptional verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills, with a focus on strategy and relationship buildingDemonstrated ability to engage with senior academic or administrative leaders with professionalism and confidenceAbility to work well under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneouslyStrong organizational and time management skillsAdvanced knowledge of Microsoft Office SuiteAdvanced data analysis skillsAbility to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedulesAdept at problem-solving, creating contingency plans, and handling issues when necessaryExcellent client service orientationStrong ability to understand customer needs and show good judgment and diplomacyExperience creating and implementing complex, multi-channel fundraising marketing campaignsPreferences :
Advanced degree preferredThree to five years of annual giving experience at an institution of higher education or nonprofit organizationExperience using digital strategies and channels such as SEO, display ads, retargeting ads, email marketing, chatbots, automation, SMS, crowdfunding, etc., in fundraising campaignsExperience using generative or predictive artificial intelligence to develop marketing or fundraising strategiesKnowledge of digital fundraising trends and emerging technologiesKnowledge of project management fundamentals and the ability to influence across teamsStrong familiarity with fundraising technology, including CRMs and platforms such as GiveCampusAbility to think strategically, work collaboratively, prioritize, and create and follow processesAbility to collaborate with staff members, students, and campus partners in an organized way to carry out the multitude of background details essential in a successful annual giving campaignAbility to demonstrate good judgment in dynamic situationsAbility to analyze data and make data-driven decisionsEssential Functions :
In partnership with the Director of Marketing and Donor Growth (Annual Giving), develops and oversees assigned direct marketing and fundraising campaigns. Tracks and analyzes results of each campaign and suggests innovations for future projects to continuously grow the donor baseServes as an annual giving expert and liaises with Alumni Relations and campus partners. Ensures best and emerging practices are incorporated into engagement and solicitations across campus areasCollaborates with school-based major gift officers and Deans to align efforts and maximize the impact of existing partnershipsPlans and executes annual giving strategies for individual schools, units, or campus partnersCollaborates closely with the Marketing and Communications team in the Development and Alumni Relations division, as well as the Development Information Services team and the Development Research and Analysis team, on all fundraising projects and campaignsWorks closely with other colleagues in Development and Alumni Relations to align program goals with the overall philanthropic goals of the universityCollaborates with team members to review and analyze project results and make recommendations for strategy enhancements. Shares results with internal and external constituencies, as neededAttends training and professional growth opportunities to stay up to date on the latest fundraising trends, technologies, strategies, and practices. Makes recommendations for implementing new ideas as appropriatePerforms all other duties as assignedAdditional Functions :
Open office environmentOccasional travel to conferencesSome weekend and evening work hours are requiredProvide exceptional customer service to all constituents, colleagues, and partnersRequires contact within the university at all levels, including upper-level administration, in person, in meetings, in writing, and by telephoneRequires contact outside the university with alumni, parents, and friends of Rice University, often in person, with follow-up by phone or in writingRice 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.
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