Associate Director, Development Communications at Rice University

DescriptionSpecial Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a cover letter and resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues. The cover letter should include a link to an online portfolio of work samples.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:Reporting to the Director Development Communications the Associate Director Development Communications is an excellent writer creative strategist and master storyteller who helps shape the voice of Rice Universitys fundraising efforts. More than just a writing job this position is about crafting narratives that inspire generosity and strengthen relationships.As a key member of a collaborative team of writers designers and fundraising communication professionals you will:Create persuasive case statements and proposals that drive philanthropic investment.Craft presidential-level correspondence that reflects Rices mission and values.Interview donors and stakeholders to develop powerful stories that demonstrate philanthropic impact.Develop compelling marketing content that elevates our brand.Lead creative strategy on select projects organizing brainstorming sessions pitching bold concepts and aligning messaging with strategic goals.The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker meticulous researcher and exceptional writer who understands how to tailor messaging for diverse audiences. The position is ideal for those who thrive in a fast-paced environment love collaboration but can work independently and bring creativity and precision to every project.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 in English liberal arts journalism or a related fieldIn lieu of a bachelors degree in English liberal arts or journalism a bachelors degree in any field with a total of 5 years of professional writing experience would be acceptedThree or more (3) years of related professional writing experienceSkills:Advanced written and verbal communication skillsAbility to synthesize a diverse array of input and dataAdvanced knowledge of multiple media formatsAdvanced knowledge of AP styleAdvanced Microsoft Office skillsPreferences:Five or more (5)years of professional writing and editing experienceExperience writing for development within higher educationExperience working with clients and managing customer relationships (includes faculty deans and fundraisers)Experience working in a nonprofit fundraising campaign or initiativeEssential Functions:Research and craft compelling narratives that advance the universitys fundraising priorities transforming complex information into convincing case statements proposals and donor-focused content.Write persuasive case prospectuses and proposals for major gift and principal gift solicitations tailoring content to resonate with high-level donors.Produce high-impact materials including donor stories magazine articles web content and marking collateral that inspire engagement and generosity.Edit and refine copy from other writers for clarity accuracy and adherence to Rice style and tone ensuring consistency across all development communications.Write and edit executive-level messaging on behalf of university leadership including donor acknowledgments.Collaborate across teams to deliver creative donor-centric communications that strengthen relationships and drive results.Performs all other duties as assigned.Additional Functions:Lead creative strategy sessions for fundraising initiatives including brainstorming concepts pitching ideas and aligning messaging with donor motivations.Develop fundraising materials for schools departments and special initiatives.Engage with diverse stakeholders including faculty administrators volunteers and donors to gather insights and stories that elevate donor communications.Balance creative work with operational demands spending significant time drafting editing and collaborating in meetings to advance strategic projects.Rice University HR Benefits: Mission and Values:Mission and Values Rice UniversityRice 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 additional questions please email us at. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.Required Experience:Director Key Skills Crisis Management,Marketing,Public Relations,Fundraising,Media Relations,Constant Contact,Strategic Planning,Social Media Management,Team Management,Public Speaking,Wordpress,Writing Skills Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1