Executive Director, Prospect Management and Development Research and Analysis

Special Instructions to Applicants:

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 and Alex Barber Senior Consultant

About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston Texas Rice University is ranked among the nations 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 Rices 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:

The Executive Director Prospect Management and Development Research and Analysis provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for the prospect research prospect management and analytics supporting all fundraising and organizational advancement at Rice University. This role oversees the identification research and evaluation of potential donors ensuring alignment with the institutions philanthropic objectives and campaign priorities. As a senior collaborator with development teams the Executive Director proactively drives innovation in building and managing a robust pipeline of major and principal gift prospects essential for the upcoming campaigns addition this position champions the adoption and integration of advanced technologies that streamline processes enhance data-informed decision-making and directly support the mission and strategic goals of the Development and Alumni Relations division (DAR). This role has a direct impact on the organizations ability to raise major and principal gifts drive successful fundraising campaigns and foster long-term donor engagement through data-driven strategy relationship management and leadership in prospect research.

The ideal candidate isa highly collaborative leader and strategic thinker with a demonstrated track record and the proven ability to create and implement a successful and effective large-scale program.

Workplace Requirements:

This position is offered asa hybrid role combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support Rice policy 440 work arrangements may be subject to change.

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

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelors Degree with a majorin Business Administration Data Analytics Philanthropy Nonprofit Management or a related field
• 5years ofexperience in prospect development advancement research data analytics or a related field with progressive leadership responsibilities
  • In lieu of the education/experience requirement additional related education and/or experience above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis

Skills:

• Leadership and strategic management skills
• Demonstrated expertise in managing and motivating teams in a complex or matrixed environment
• Advanced strategic analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to synthesize complex data and recommend action
• High level of data fluency
• Ability to understand both the theoretical and the practical aspects of analyzing interpreting and presenting data
• Stronginterpersonal communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to manage a large number of project activities simultaneously
• Strong ability to show good judgment and diplomacy
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedules
• Mastery and curiosity around research resource materials and prospect management theory and methodologies consistent with APRAs Advanced Body of Knowledge
• High ethical standards discretion and a commitment to confidentiality in handling sensitive donor information
• Project management planning and budgeting expertise

Preferences:

• Advanced degree inBusiness Administration Data Analytics Philanthropy Nonprofit Management or a related field
• 6 years of theexperience specified above preferably withan institution of higher education
• Proven track record of effectively working and leading in a large complex dynamic and sophisticated organization
• Well-developed project management skills including experience initiating and implementing a new program or project
• Ability to set a vision and to influence and inspire others to action as well as a willingness to dig in and understand the work being done at a more granular level

Essential Functions:

• Key Responsibilities:
  • Provide strategic leadership and vision for the operational oversight of the prospect management prospect research and analytics program.
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive prospect development and research strategy to support fundraising objectives.
  • Provide direction for all prospect identification qualification and management activities.
  • Set departmental goals strategic priorities and performance metrics in alignment with institutional advancement strategy.
• Prospect Research and Intelligence:
  • Oversee the collection evaluation and reporting of prospect data including biographic financial and philanthropic research to find new prospects and volunteer leaders.
  • Prepare comprehensive data-driven prospect profiles and assessments to inform fundraising strategies and leadership decisions.
• Prospect Management and Pipeline Development:
  • Lead prospect management efforts for the department including conducting portfolio reviews overseeing a strategic portfolio assignment process setting portfolio standards and guidelines tracking portfolio performance and helping fundraisers with strategic recommendations as they move prospects through the fundraising cycle.
  • Work collaboratively with frontline fundraisers and other teams to maximize portfolio philanthropic potential. Direct the teams recalibration of portfolios as needed to maximize performance and elevate the highest priority prospects for management.
  • Partner with gift officers on portfolio management cultivation strategies and fundraising priorities.
  • Facilitate regular portfolio review meetings and ensure consistent pipeline optimization and stewardship.
  • Serve as the subject matter expert on CRM prospect management system.
• Data Analytics Visualization and Reporting:
  • Use advanced analytics predictive modeling and data mining to guide the pipeline and inform cultivation solicitation and stewardship strategies.
  • Focus on maximizing the potential of data-driven insights and enhancing the efficiency of existing models through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
• Team Leadership and Collaboration:
  • Supervise train and develop a team of prospect research prospect management and data analytics professionals
  • Foster a culture of high performance collaboration and data-driven decision-making within the team.
  • Work closely with fundraising advancement and academic leadership to support comprehensive campaign planning and major gift initiatives.
• Process Improvement and Innovation:
  • Continuously evaluate and improve research methodologies prospect management practices and data systems.
  • Lead the adoption of new technologies and best practices to enhance data integrity analytics and process efficiency.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of trends and innovations within the field.
  • Lead a team in executing analytical projects from solution design to implementation.
• Compliance and Reporting:
  • Ensure all research data management and prospect assignments comply with institutional policies and relevant legal ethical and confidentiality guidelines.
  • Oversee operating budgets and resource planning for the prospect research prospect management and data analytics functions.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Additional Functions:

• Interact with:
  • Rice University fundraising colleagues to provide support and partnership in the identification cultivation solicitation and retention of donors.
  • DAR Leadership to consult with and coordinate work within the university structure to aid in the identification of tools and processes that support prospect research prospect management and data analytics.
  • Staff to train and oversee their work and to establish priorities.
  • Peers/professional organizations to obtainadvice and counsel on options being considered for programs.

Rice University HR Benefits: Mission and Values:Mission and Values Rice University

Rice 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. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process please contact Rice Universitys Disability Resource Center at or for support.

If you have any questions please email us Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.