Director of Strategic Initiatives (Finance)

Rice University has retained Lindauer, an executive search firm, to assist in this search. Consideration of candidates will continue until the position is filled. Candidates should submit, in confidence, a resume and cover letter. Communications, nominations, applications, and inquiries concerning this search should be directed to Raegan Harvey, Senior Consultant, rharvey@lindauerglobal.com and Cori Anderson, Consultant, canderson@lindauerglobal.com.

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:

As a member of the Principal Gifts team in the Development and Alumni Relations division at Rice University, the Director of Strategic Initiatives serves as a conduit of information and strategy for the leaders of university initiatives to advance the priorities of each program by partnering with deans, faculty, and university leadership to obtain project concepts and by working with fundraising colleagues on the development of complex proposals.

The ideal candidate for this position will have a demonstrated fundraising track record, will be adept at collaboration and communication, will be an active listener who demonstrates empathy and understanding, and will have strong analytical and problem-solving skills. They will also be an expert at navigating complex situations and projects, and will possess deep passion for education and enthusiasm for Rice University.

Workplace Requirements:

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. This position currently has a hybrid work arrangement with a minimum of two days per week in the office. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree
• 8+ years of successful professional fundraising experience, including with donors capable of gifts of $1 million or more, and demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-level major gifts
• 2+ years of experience in a leadership or supervisory capacity
• Experience-based ability to recognize high potential giving opportunities, and the knowledge of the giving techniques and strategies to maximize that potential
• Experience working with and establishing budgets for fundraising projects
• Experience working in a comprehensive fundraising campaign

Skills:

• Ability to develop and initiate new strategies
• Advanced problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills and interpersonal skills
• Ability to understand complex issues within a multifaceted organization
• Demonstrated ability to identify main audiences and determine the best way to communicate information to them
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with university stakeholders, alumni, and corporate partners
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage projects simultaneously
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office suite
• Excellent data analysis skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedules
• Ability to express ideas in a group setting
• Adept at problem solving, creating contingency plans, and handling issues when necessary
• Excellent client service orientation and attention to detail
• Ability to take initiative and collaborate with others
• Strategic skills to craft and implement fundraising and/or project plans
• Ability to be responsive to multiple perspectives and integrate feedback in a way that improves the project at hand
• Ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to quickly understand and remember details about alumni/donors and projects to which they are assigned

Preferences:

• Master's Degree
• Professional fundraising experience at an institution of higher education or non-profit organization
• Track record of project-related fundraising in a research-intensive organization
• Experience working on gifts of $5 million or more
• Ability to relate to, and develop excellent working relationships with, senior leaders
• Ability to earn the confidence and trust of senior leaders and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to exercise discretion and to make sound independent decisions and judgments
• Ability to display confidence as a mentor and collaborator
• Political savvy to navigate a complex academic environment
• Strong proficiency with fundraising CRM and in using data to inform workflow and drive fundraising priorities
• Strong management skills in working with diverse projects, personalities, and interests
• Proficiency with development databases (e.g., Blackbaud CRM)
• Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) certification

Essential Functions:

• Plans, organizes and manages the development of complex philanthropic support for fundraising priorities for strategic university initiatives
• Partners with deans, faculty and university leadership to obtain project concepts
• Provides support and guidance to leadership regarding the management and coordination of strategic initiatives and special projects
• Identifies fundraising priorities and develops plans and strategies to accomplish fundraising goals
• Works collaboratively with faculty and development colleagues in support of fundraising initiatives
• Prepares project or program descriptions, complete with visual elements such as diagrams and charts, that ensure the concepts can be easily understood
• Prepares fact sheets and briefs that quickly communicate the core essentials of each program
• Works closely with key university offices to develop budget and ROI descriptions and to ensure that the projects and their preparation satisfy university requirements
• Works closely with the research and analysis team on all current projects and those in development
• Identifies and stewards donor prospects, primarily at the $5M+ level
• Works with fundraising colleagues on the development of complex proposals
• Prepares contact reports that keep all stakeholders informed on project progress
• Collaborates with leadership to articulate and implement continuous improvement and data-driven decision making
• Tracks progress on the planning and implementation of strategies and on the achievement of philanthropic support
• Collaborates on development-related communications from launch to completion, including remarks, updates, reports, presentation and meeting materials
• Performs other duties as assigned

Additional Functions:

• Provides expertise and strategic counsel regarding new development opportunities for evolving programs, as needed
• Serves as interactive and synergistic partner with other teams within Development and Alumni Relations, particularly major gifts, gift planning, research and analysis, constituent relations and development communications, so that all work together to ensure prospects are managed in a manner consistent with best practices known to be most likely to lead to successful fundraising outcomes
• May require working flexible hours, including nights and weekends
• Occasional travel may be required

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and the full inclusion of all qualified persons in the workplace. This commitment includes providing reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities. For applicants with disabilities who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University's Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.

If you have any questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.