Associate Director, Development Communications

Rice; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Rice University is seeking an Associate Director of Development Communications who will craft persuasive narratives to inspire generosity and strengthen donor relationships. The role leads writing, editing and strategy for fundraising content across major gifts and donor communications.

You will collaborate with a team of writers, designers and fundraising professionals, producing stories, proposals and marketing materials that reflect Rice’s mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, liberal arts, journalism or related field.
• Three or more years of professional writing experience.

Responsibilities

• Research and craft narratives advancing fundraising priorities.
• Write case statements, proposals for major gifts and donor content.
• Produce donor stories, articles, web content and marketing collateral.
• Edit copy for Rice style and tone, ensure consistency.
• Draft executive messaging for university leadership.

Skills

Strong writing

Verbal communication

Synthesis of input

Media formats

AP style

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in English

Job description

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 University’s 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 Rice’s 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 collaboration.Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in English, liberal arts, journalism or a related field
• Three or more (3+) years of related professional writing experience

Skills:

• Advanced written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to synthesize a diverse array of input and data
• Advanced knowledge of multiple media formats
• Advanced knowledge of AP style
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills

Preferences:

• Five or more (5+)years of professional writing and editing experience
• Experience writing for development within higher education
• Experience working with clients and managing customer relationships (includes faculty, deans and fundraisers)
• Experience working in a nonprofit fundraising campaign or initiative

Essential Functions:

• Research and craft compelling narratives that advance the university’s 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: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 get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at [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.