Senior Director, Prospect Management

Position summary:

The Senior Director Prospect Management leads portfolio strategy and prospect management efforts that strengthen fundraising effectiveness and pipeline growth. Partnering closely with development leadership this role enhances portfolio quality drives prospect movement and supports campaign readiness.

This leader sets direction for prospect management practices ensures strong data integrity and governance and leverages insights to guide strategic decision-making. The role also develops a high-performing team and fosters consistent collaborative support across fundraising units.

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader and strategic thinker with demonstrated success implementing prospect management programs in complex advancement environments using a liaison service structure.

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants please attach a cover letter and resume in Pdf format.

Workplace Requirements:

This position is offered as a hybrid role 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 an exempt (salaried) position under FLSA and not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in business administration nonprofit management philanthropy data analytics or a related field
• Four or more (4) years of experience in prospect management prospect research advancement services fundraising operations or a related field with progressive leadership responsibilities

Skills:

• Expertise in prospect management portfolio strategy and lifecycle progression
• Strong analytical and data skills including use of CRM systems and reporting tools (e.g. Tableau)
• Ability to translate data into actionable fundraising strategies and priorities
• Advanced CRM proficiency (Blackbaud or similar) and commitment to data quality and standards
• Collaborative consultative partnership style with fundraising leaders
• Effective communication and change management skills
• Proven team leadership coaching and development experience
• High level of discretion and professionalism with confidential information

Preferences:

• Advanced degree and/or relevant professional training or certifications in advancement services analytics CRM administration or related areas
• 5 years of progressive professional experience in prospect management advancement operations fundraising strategy or a closely related function
• Experience supporting multiple fundraising teams in a consultative or shared services model
• Familiarity with Blackbaud CRM (or similar) and business intelligence tools
• Demonstrated success improving processes governance and adoption of best practices
• Knowledge of industry standards (e.g. CASE APRA)

Essential Functions:

• Partners with development leadership to enhance prospect engagement movement and pipeline health
• Oversees prospect assignment governance and lifecycle management practices
• Ensures data integrity documentation standards and effective use of CRM systems
• Collaborates cross-functionally to align prospect development and pipeline strategy
• Develops and leads a high-performing prospect management team
• Promotes compliance with institutional policies and professional standards
• Leads a liaison-based prospect management and portfolio strategy model aligned to unit and institutional fundraising priorities
• Plans directs and oversees portfolio and pipeline analysis using analytics and dashboards (e.g. Tableau) to support strategic decision-making and performance evaluation
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions:

• Supports strategic initiatives projects and leadership reporting
• Advances process improvements training and adoption of best practices
• Maintains documentation and ensures continuity during peak periods or transitions
• Represents prospect management in meetings committees and working groups to support alignment and collaboration

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 get in touch with Rice Universitys Human Resources Office via email at for support.

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