Job Description

The Development Specialist serves a vital, interactive role within the office of the dean and is responsible for facilitating the natural sciences development and communications teams in achieving individual and group goals and coordinating the natural sciences donor and alumni efforts.

Under the primary direction of the Director of Development, s/he works directly with development officers, the Dean, faculty, staff, and key volunteers in coordinating the forward momentum of the overall development effort for the Wiess School of Natural Sciences. The development specialist is the administrative support for the natural sciences development officer, assists with the implementation of stewardship plans for natural sciences, and facilitates special projects and events for the school.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate for this position has an engaging and collaborative work ethic, excellent communication skills, and the ability to problem-solve creatively as well as prioritize projects while fulfilling the in-person requirement needed to succeed in this position.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

All interested applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues

Workplace Location

This is an on-site position, Monday – Friday during normal business hours, with the potential of a remote workday. Occasional extended hours during the evenings and/or weekends to report on School events.

Annual Hiring Range $61,430 to $65,000, with the hiring salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

This is an Exempt (salaried) position under the FLSA and is not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
• Two or more (2+) years of related experience
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis
• Skills:
  • Ability to develop and initiate new strategies
  • Advanced problem-solving skills
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work well under pressure and manage 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
  • Demonstrated experience with fundraising in a higher education environment
  • Strong client service orientation and attention to detail
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to quickly understand and remember details about alumni/donors and projects to which they are assigned

Essential Functions:

• In conjunction with the Natural Sciences Development Officer, develop and implement systems, processes, and procedures to manage donor follow-up, identify stewardship needs, and facilitate cultivation and stewardship efforts for the School of Natural Sciences
• Identify, recommend, and execute operational plans for development activities within the School of Natural Sciences
• Interact with natural sciences alumni groups
• Manage and reconcile event and travel budgets
• Maintain schedules for the development officer
• Monitor prospect lists for the development officer
• Plan and coordinate logistics for informational, fundraising, and stewardship meetings for the development officer and the dean
• Collaborate in planning, coordination, and execution of school events
• Conduct prospect and donor research and/or solicit prospect and donor research from Development and Alumni Relations
• Maintain confidential donor and prospect information
• Maintain donor, alumni, and volunteer records in the university's CRM system (OwlConnect), including processing data updates, managing volunteer groups, running batches, and supporting accurate constituent and engagement records.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Additional Functions:

• Prepare correspondence, reports, donor acknowledgments, and meeting materials in support of development and stewardship activities.
• Assist with special projects and key initiatives, including the 24-Hour Challenge, donor visits, and Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) onboarding activities for the Wiess School of Natural Sciences.

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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 facstaffada@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.