Campaign Director
Rice University
Houston, TX - United States
Rice has achieved a position among America’s great research universities. Even in that category, it is distinctive: Rice is a great small university. That is, while smaller than most, Rice is able to compete with the best in the nation — indeed, in the world. To support and to enhance this record of success, Rice University’s Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) Division seeks an advancement leader to serve as the university’s next campaign director.
Reporting to the vice president for development and alumni relations, Stephen Bayer (see bio in Leadership section), and serving as a member of his leadership staff, the campaign director will benefit from a strategic planning process crafted to align the interests and ambitions of Rice University with those of its alumni.
The next campaign director will also have the opportunity to work with Rice’s President Reginald DesRoches. President DesRoches is an internationally recognized structural engineer and earthquake resilience expert who has not only dramatically increased the university’s research awards and launched several new centers and institutes during his tenure, but also forged new partnerships and programs with institutions and organizations throughout the Houston area, including the Texas Medical Center. Rice is preparing to unveil a university strategic plan in 2024. This plan will form the foundation for Rice’s next comprehensive campaign, the quiet phase of which could tentatively begin in late 2025.
Working in close concert with strategic partners across the university and beyond—including the university’s schools and units, and its athletics department—the campaign director will have significant experience in high-performing advancement programs with the ability to lead compellingly in both word and deed. The campaign director will possess exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills and experience as well as a track record of success as a fundraiser and campaigner.
Experience in higher education and with one or more institutions as comprehensive and complex as Rice is highly preferred as is experience with an academic medical center. Direct and substantive experience in a campaign of significant size and scope is required. A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred. Rice’s new campaign director will have the opportunity to have a significant, personal impact on the university’s success.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile.
WittKieffer is assisting Rice University in this search, which will remain open until an appointment is made.
Application materials, nominations and inquiries can be directed to:
RiceCampaignDirector@wittkieffer.com
https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits
Rice Mission and Values
Mission and Values | Rice University
Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.
Faculty and staff are expected (but not required) to have completed a full vaccination series for COVID-19 (currently defined as full course COVID-19 Vaccine (typically two shots of a WHO-approved COVID-19 Vaccine or one J&J) and a COVID-19 booster. Rice does not require documentation for COVID 19 vaccination at this time for faculty and staff. More information can be found here: https://coronavirus.rice.edu/policies.