Senior Director, Prospect Management

Rice University; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Rice University in Houston is seeking a Senior Director for Prospect Management to lead portfolio strategy and enhance fundraising effectiveness. The role involves collaboration with development leadership to drive prospect movement and pipeline growth while fostering a high-performing team.

This hybrid position emphasizes flexibility and supports collaboration. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree and at least 4 years of experience in relevant fields, with strong analytical skills and CRM proficiency.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in prospect management or related field.
• Ability to translate data into actionable fundraising strategies.
• Experience leading and developing teams.

Responsibilities

• Enhance prospect engagement and pipeline health.
• Oversee prospect assignment and lifecycle management.
• Promote compliance with institutional policies.

Skills

Expertise in prospect management

Strong analytical and data skills

Advanced CRM proficiency

Effective communication skills

Proven team leadership experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field

Tools

CRM systems

Tableau

Job description

Position Summary

The Senior Director, Prospect Management leads portfolio strategy and prospect management efforts that strengthen fundraising effectiveness and pipeline growth. Partnering closely with development leadership, this role enhances portfolio quality, drives prospect movement, and supports campaign readiness.

This leader sets direction for prospect management practices, ensures strong data integrity and governance, and leverages insights to guide strategic decision-making. The role also develops a high-performing team and fosters consistent, collaborative support across fundraising units.

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader and strategic thinker with demonstrated success implementing prospect management programs in complex advancement environments using a liaison service structure.

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.

*This is an exempt (salaried) position under FLSA and not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, nonprofit management, philanthropy, data analytics, or a related field
• Four or more (4+) years of experience in prospect management, prospect research, advancement services, fundraising operations, or a related field with progressive leadership responsibilities

Skills

• Expertise in prospect management, portfolio strategy, and lifecycle progression
• Strong analytical and data skills, including use of CRM systems and reporting tools (e.g., Tableau)
• Ability to translate data into actionable fundraising strategies and priorities
• Advanced CRM proficiency (Blackbaud or similar) and commitment to data quality and standards
• Collaborative, consultative partnership style with fundraising leaders
• Effective communication and change management skills
• Proven team leadership, coaching, and development experience
• High level of discretion and professionalism with confidential information

Preferences

• Advanced degree and/or relevant professional training or certifications in advancement services, analytics, CRM administration, or related areas
• 5+ years of progressive professional experience in prospect management, advancement operations, fundraising strategy, or a closely related function
• Experience supporting multiple fundraising teams in a consultative or shared services model
• Familiarity with Blackbaud CRM (or similar) and business intelligence tools
• Demonstrated success improving processes, governance, and adoption of best practices
• Knowledge of industry standards (e.g., CASE, APRA)

Essential Functions

• Partners with development leadership to enhance prospect engagement, movement, and pipeline health
• Oversees prospect assignment, governance, and lifecycle management practices
• Ensures data integrity, documentation standards, and effective use of CRM systems
• Collaborates cross-functionally to align prospect development and pipeline strategy
• Develops and leads a high-performing prospect management team
• Promotes compliance with institutional policies and professional standards
• Leads a liaison-based prospect management and portfolio strategy model aligned to unit and institutional fundraising priorities
• Plans, directs, and oversees portfolio and pipeline analysis using analytics and dashboards (e.g., Tableau) to support strategic decision-making and performance evaluation
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

• Supports strategic initiatives, projects, and leadership reporting
• Advances process improvements, training, and adoption of best practices
• Maintains documentation and ensures continuity during peak periods or transitions
• Represents prospect management in meetings, committees, and working groups to support alignment and collaboration

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.