Posting Details

Position Information

Job Title Associate Director of Development Department Rice Design Alliance Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Requisition Number S19326 Open Date 12/20/2018 Close Date Salary Information

Salary Commensurate with Experience and Qualifications.

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., occasional nights and weekends.

Benefits Eligible Yes Eligible for Overtime No Position Summary

Rice Design Alliance (RDA) was established within the Rice School of Architecture in 1972 to develop the school’s outreach and public programs. Its mission is to facilitate an understanding of how design influences the built and natural environment through multidisciplinary public programs and projects that empower academics, architects, engineers, design professionals, and the broader Houston community in an effort to transform our city into a better place to live and a global model for the twenty-first century. More information about RDA can be found at: ricedesignalliance.org.

This position reports to the executive director of RDA and works closely under the guidance and direction of the director of development. This role assumes responsibility for all of Rice Design Alliance’s fundraising efforts, which encompass individual giving, annual membership, corporate engagement, grant-writing, special events, and board relations. The overall RDA staff works closely as a team on all aspects of RDA’s mission.

Education Required Bachelor's Degree Major/Discipline Substitution for Education Requirement

Experience may not be substituted for the education requirement.

Education Preferred Experience Required 3 years Type of Experience

- Professional experience in non-profit organization or academic setting
- A record of success in expanding donor participation in giving efforts
- Experience planning events

Substitution for Experience Requirement

Education may not be substituted for the experience requirement.

Experience Preferred License/Certification Required

Must possess (or have the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire) and maintain a valid Texas driver’s license with no more than three moving violations and/or at fault accidents within the past 36 months, and no convictions or deferred dispositions for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) within the past five years.

License/Certification Preferred Skills Required

- Strategic thinking
- Discretion and excellent judgment
- Problem solving
- Strong verbal and written communication
- Organization and time management
- Ability to work under pressure
- Team-centered tasks

Skills Preferred

- Funding software proficiency, specifically Blackbaud CRM

Internal / External Contacts

Internal: faculty, students, alumni, and staff at Rice Architecture, staff and administration in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations

External: Rice Design Alliance Board and Committee members, donors, volunteers, vendors, and community partners

Physical Demands

Must be able to lift and carry boxes up to 20 pounds

On occasion, must be able to be on feet for several hours at a time

Working Conditions

- Occasional nights and weekends
- Travel 1-2 times per year for travel programs

Security Sensitive Yes Special Instructions to Applicants

Please answer the question below using “Other Document” in the Application Documents:


A donor you have been cultivating for a major gift has made a commitment but several months have passed and he/she is not responding to friendly check-ins. Draft correspondence responding to this situation, knowing that the gift is imperative for the organization.

Quick Link for Posting http://jobs.rice.edu/postings/17907 Job Duties

Job Duty Name Essential Functions Description of Job Duty

- In collaboration with the executive director and school’s director of development, develops an overall fundraising strategy for Rice Design Alliance
- In collaboration with the fundraising chair, leads all activities of the fundraising committee
- Identifies prospects, researches, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors to Rice Design Alliance
- Provides strategic oversight to the executive director and advisory boards on all fundraising initiatives
- In collaboration with the executive director and school’s director of development, interfaces with the dean, faculty, alumni, RDA membership, and other university leaders to identify areas of collaboration and mutual benefit
- Solicits corporate sponsorship for RDA programming
- Plans and organizes various fundraising events for RDA, including but not limited to an annual gala, membership events, and traveling programs
- Provides reports on financial activity to the board and executive director, tracks effectiveness of fundraising events, and makes adjustments to ensure fundraising goals are met
- Manage membership database and oversee membership committee activities
- Actively participates in and provides strategic oversight for RDA board and relevant sub-committees
- Works closely with executive committee to identify prospects and solicit gifts to meet fundraising goals
- Coordinates volunteers for fundraising events and efforts
- Performs all other duties as assigned

Applicant Documents Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume
3. Other Document

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have a bachelor's degree?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Do you have three or more years of experience in planning events with a record of success in expanding donor participation in giving effort in a non-profit organization or academic setting?
   • Yes
   • No