Associate Director, Corporate Relations

Rice University; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Houston is seeking an Associate Director of Corporate Relations to enhance partnerships with corporate entities. The role involves strategic planning, relationship management, and stewardship communication to support the university's fundraising efforts. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills and a background in higher education fundraising. This hybrid position offers flexibility while fostering collaboration with various stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of related professional work experience in a higher education fundraising environment.
• Experience in developing strategic recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Develops comprehensive plans for corporate prospects.
• Cultivates prospects by researching and developing strategies.
• Maintains up-to-date stewardship records.

Skills

Advanced problem-solving skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Strong organizational and time management skills

Strong attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

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Special 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.

Job Description

About Rice

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s 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 Rice’s 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 Associate Director, Corporate Relations will work with the Corporate and Foundation Relations team, faculty members, university leadership, and Development and Alumni Relations colleagues to cultivate and support holistic relationships with corporate entities whose interests align with the priorities of Rice University. The Associate Director, Corporate Relations will develop comprehensive plans and strategies for effective engagement of current and prospective corporate partners and will play a significant role in supporting stewardship communication and reporting requirements for corporate funders.

The ideal candidate is curious and excited about emerging trends in philanthropy, experienced in developing strategic recommendations, possesses strong written and verbal communication skills, thoroughly understands fundraising and the donor cycle, and thrives in a collaborative working environment.

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.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• 2+ years of related professional work experience in a higher education fundraising environment

Skills

• Ability to develop and initiate new strategies
• Advanced problem-solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong data analysis skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedules
• Adept at problem-solving, creating contingency plans, and handling issues when necessary
• Strong client service orientation
• Strong attention to detail and ability to quickly understand and remember details about corporate donors and projects to which they are assigned

Preferences

• Master’s degree
• 3+ years of related professional work experience in a higher education fundraising environment
• High level of maturity and emotional intelligence with the capability of exercising good judgment
• Knowledge of fundraising database software and public records

Essential Functions

• Manages the development of comprehensive plans for corporate prospects
• Develops and maintains effective and productive relationships with departments and faculty and maintains relationships with school-based development officers
• Cultivates prospects by researching and developing strategies for potential prospects aligned with campus priorities, identifying mutual areas of interest, facilitating introductions to campus partners, and scheduling and attending meetings both on and off-campus
• Maintains an awareness of the philanthropic and research support needs of the university that could be met through corporate commitments
• Maintains up-to-date stewardship records and plays a significant role in stewardship communication and reporting requirements for corporate donors
• Assists with university-wide communication about the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations and encourages coordination of activities
• Produces written communication for internal and external audiences
• Organizes events, meetings, and visits for corporate/foundation representatives, faculty, and staff on campus
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

• Prepares briefing materials, talking points, and background summaries to support faculty and leadership interacting with corporate representatives
• Manages preparation and deployment of annual corporate reports
• Regularly collaborates with campus partners, including the Office of Research and the Center for Career Development
• Represents the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations and Rice University at relevant business-focused events in the Houston area
• Manages multiple projects effectively while executing tasks and meeting deadlines
• Develops comprehensive plans and strategies for top corporate donors and prospects
• Actively updates and monitors data in the alumni/development database system
• Involves limited local and infrequent out-of-town travel
• Extensively engages with corporate representatives and Rice faculty, deans, and administrators (including the President, Provost, and Vice President of Research)

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview

Rice 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 University’s Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or [e-mail] for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at [e-mail]. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.