Director, Alumni Initiatives at Rice University in Houston, Texas

Job Description:

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants please attach a cover letter and resume in PDF format.

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:

Rice University is seeking a strategic and dynamic Director, Alumni Initiatives to join the Alumni Relations team in the Development and Alumni Relations division to lead initiatives in alumni engagement, parent engagement, and brand building within the Asia-Pacific region. This role is essential for enhancing Rice University's visibility and engagement within this diverse and rapidly growing market.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in alumni and constituent relations, fundraising, and community engagement, along with fluency in Mandarin.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree
• 4+ years of relevant experience in alumni relations, fundraising, or related fields, with a proven track record of successful engagement initiatives
• Must be fluent in Mandarin and English
• Must have a strong understanding of the Asia-Pacific market and cultural nuances

• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and build strong relationships
• Advanced data analysis skills
• Adept at problem-solving, creating contingency plans, and handling issues when necessary
• Ability to develop and initiate new strategies
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent relationship skills and emotional intelligence
• Ability to quickly understand and remember details about alumni/donors and projects to which they are assigned
• Experience using Blackbaud CRM or similar alumni/donor database system

• Advanced degree preferred
• 5+ years of relevant experience in alumni relations, fundraising, or related fields, with a proven track record of successful engagement initiatives
• Experience working in nonprofit/higher education settings

Lead initiatives in alumni relations, parent engagement, and brand building within the Asia-Pacific region, with key responsibilities as listed below.

• Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement
  
  
  • Program Development : Design and implement innovative programs to actively engage alumni, parents, and friends of Rice, ensuring meaningful benefits and connections.
  • Event Organization : Plan and host a variety of alumni events, both in-person and virtual, in major cities to foster community and strengthen relationships (cities and focus to include the Asia-Pacific region, but not be limited to).
  • Professional Development : Coordinate webinars and workshops featuring guest speakers, focusing on topics relevant to alumni's personal and professional growth.
  • Fundraising Campaigns : Collaborate with development teams to implement annual giving initiatives and campaigns that support Rice's Annual Giving strategies in key markets.
  • Participation Strategies : Explore creative strategies to enhance alumni participation in fundraising efforts and promote a culture of giving within the alumni community in the Asia Pacific region.
  • Data Management : Ensure accurate records of alumni interactions, engagement, and contributions to support targeted outreach and development strategies.
  
  
• Brand Building and Marketing
  
  
  • Social Media Strategy : Establish and manage social media channels, including WeChat, to effectively communicate university news, events, and initiatives, expanding Rice's reach in the region.
  • Content Creation : Develop engaging content-articles, videos, and multimedia-that showcases Rice's brand and fosters community engagement.
  • Event Promotion : Utilize digital platforms for event announcements and marketing, enhancing Rice's presence and visibility in the Asia-Pacific region.
  
  
• Regional Chapter Development
  
  
  • Network Building : Identify and mentor chapter leaders to cultivate regional alumni networks, aligning them with Rice's brand values and mission.
  • Local Event Collaboration : Work with chapter leaders to plan and execute local events that reinforce connections and community engagement.
  
  
• Perform all other duties as assigned

• Flexible Project Management
  
  
  • Cross-Functional Initiatives : Support other areas within alumni relations as needed, leveraging skills and resources to address emerging opportunities or challenges.
  • Program Evaluation : Conduct assessments of program effectiveness, adjusting strategies as needed to enhance impact and engagement.
  
  
• Prepare special analyses or ad-hoc reports as requested
• Recruit, train, and oversee volunteers and volunteer-led projects
• Travel is required for this position

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

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed 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.

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and the full inclusion of all qualified persons in the workplace. This commitment includes providing reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities. For applicants with disabilities who require 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 adarice@rice.edu for support.