Assistant Director, Annual Giving & Donor Relations

Rice University; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Rice University is seeking an Assistant Director of Annual Giving to support the Owl Club fundraising program. This on-campus role focuses on cultivating donor relationships, designing annual giving strategies, and closing gifts of $500 or more.

The candidate will help create electronic, social media, and print messaging for annual appeals. Responsibilities include managing a donor portfolio, conducting one-on-one solicitations, and ensuring donor benefits are fulfilled.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 1+ year of related fundraising experience.

Responsibilities

• Manages a defined portfolio of Owl Club donors with renewal, upgrade, and retention within assigned giving tiers, emphasizing leadership gifts of $500 or more.
• Cultivates relationships and solicits annual gifts through one-on-one visits, calls, and proposals.
• Educates prospects and donors on the Owl Club Annual Fund and benefit structure.
• Ensures donors receive benefits earned through their giving level, including tickets, parking, and hospitality access.
• Makes outbound calls to Rice fans, staff, students, and community members.
• Tracks and analyzes results of development activities to determine outreach effectiveness.
• Maintains accurate donor records and activity notes in the CRM system.
• Supports Owl Club donor events including game-day hospitality and stewardship functions.

Skills

Professional writing

Oral communication

Time management

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Rice University is seeking an Assistant Director of Annual Giving to support the Owl Club fundraising program. This on-campus role focuses on cultivating donor relationships, designing annual giving strategies, and closing gifts of $500 or more.

The candidate will help create electronic, social media, and print messaging for annual appeals. Responsibilities include managing a donor portfolio, conducting one-on-one solicitations, and ensuring donor benefits are fulfilled.