Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a cover letter and a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application. We suggest the documents be in a PDF format to avoid formatting issues. To be considered for this position, all supplemental questions must be answered.

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 how 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

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research seeks a full-time Associate Director of Development who will report to the Director of Development. The Associate Director will be part of the KIUR Development team in external affairs and will engage in the fundraising programs for KIUR for annual operating support, corporate and foundation grants, individual major gifts, and event sponsorships.

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research aims to improve lives through data, research, engagement, and action. The institute is currently working to build out five research centers focused on critical aspects shaping the social and cultural landscape of the Houston area. The five centers will research housing, education, public health, economic mobility and inequality, and population dynamics. Each center will investigate its particular topic area and will work across centers. To achieve this, each center is building interdisciplinary teams specializing in solutions-oriented research while using a research-practice partnership (RPP) model to jointly design, develop, and conduct research that values diversity in expertise and prioritizes the community in identifying and addressing some of the most pressing questions and challenges facing Houston to inform decision-making and bring about change in the region.  

The ideal candidate is an organized, proactive problem-solver who is able to manage multiple tasks and priorities with frequent interruptions. A strong customer service background and the ability to work well under pressure in a dynamic, fast-paced environment is also preferred. 

Workplace Requirements

This position offers a hybrid work schedule within Harris County and surrounding counties, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. *Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree  In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.  Three+ years of related professional experience Skills Ability to learn new strategies  Written and verbal communication skills  Data Analysis Skills Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously  Good organizational and time management skills  Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite  Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedules  Familiarity with fundraising in a higher education environment is desirable  Attention to detail and ability to quickly understand and remember details about alumni/donors and projects to which they are assigned

Preferences

Experience working in a fundraising or CRM database system Excellent oral and written communication skills  Flexibility  Good judgment and interpersonal skills 

Essential Functions

Maintains a portfolio of major gift prospects through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors  Identifies fundraising priorities and devises plans and strategies to accomplish goals Works collaboratively with faculty and development colleagues in support of fundraising initiatives Collaborates on development-related communications and events Assists in the development and execution of a plan to generate annual operating support for KIUR Helps solicit gifts from KIUR constituents via direct mail, email, and social media  Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards annual donors Tracks and reports metrics of annual appeals and sponsorship activities Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

Helps share the mission, work, and achievements of KIUR Manages and coordinates event volunteers Assists with event planning and logistics Maintains accurate and timely information in Owl Connect

Kinder Institute for Urban Research https://kinder.rice.edu/

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

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.