Associate Director, Alumni Affinity Networks at Rice University in Houston, Texas

Job Description:

Special Instructions to Applicants :

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

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 Associate Director, Alumni Affinity Networks to join the Alumni Relations team in the Development and Alumni Relations division. Reporting to the Senior Director, Alumni Relations, this position is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships with Rice's diverse alumni populations, including alumni from underrepresented backgrounds, first-generation graduates, and affinity groups. The Associate Director, Alumni Affinity Networks will build and implement engagement strategies to strengthen alumni connection to the university, cultivate lifelong affinity, and enhance support for university-wide priorities, especially among historically underrepresented and marginalized alumni communities. This position is an opportunity to build meaningful connections within Rice's alumni community and play a pivotal role in advancing a culture of inclusivity and belonging at Rice University.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in alumni relations and/or community engagement, with demonstrated success in roles focusing on working with diverse constituent groups.

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. Must possess (or have the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire) and maintain a valid Texas driver's license with no more than three moving violations and/or at-fault accidents within the past 36 months, and no convictions or deferred dispositions for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) within the past five years.

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

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree
  
  
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
  
  
• 2+ years
  
  
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
  
  
• Experience developing outreach strategies tailored to various demographic groups
• Project management experience, with a record of successfully planning and executing events and programs

Skills:

• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with diverse populations and commitment to the value of diversity
• Ability to cultivate and manage alumni volunteers
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Advanced data analysis skills
• Adept at problem-solving, creating contingency plans, and handling issues when necessary
• Ability to develop and initiate new strategies
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with CRM or alumni engagement software, with an understanding of data management and privacy best practices
• Ability to quickly understand and remember details about alumni/donors and projects to which they are assigned

Preferences:

• Advanced degree, preferably in higher education, nonprofit management, or a related field
• 3+ years of professional experience in alumni relations, community engagement, or related fields, with demonstrated success in roles focusing on working with diverse constituent groups
• Familiarity with Rice University's history, culture, and diverse alumni populations
• Experience working within a higher education alumni relations setting
• Demonstrated experience in volunteer management and engagement
• Experience using Blackbaud CRM

Essential Functions:

• Strategic Planning and Program Development:
  
  
  • Develop and implement strategies to increase engagement, connection, and philanthropy within diverse alumni communities.
  • Collaborate with university leadership, departments, and alumni affinity groups to ensure programming aligns with the university's commitment to engage diverse constituent groups.
  • Regularly assess alumni engagement metrics and use data insights to guide programming improvements and identify emerging needs.
  
  
• Manage an Assistant Director, Alumni Affinity Networks
• Outreach and Relationship Building:
  
  
  • Serve as the primary point of contact and advocate for diverse alumni groups, ensuring their voices and perspectives are represented in alumni programming.
  • Build strong partnerships with campus organizations (e.g., Office of Access and Institutional Excellence, student cultural organizations, affinity-based student associations) to create a pipeline from student to alumni engagement.
  • Actively cultivate alumni volunteer leadership within diverse alumni communities, establishing advisory councils or committees as appropriate.
  
  
• Event Management and Programming:
  
  
  • Plan and execute events that celebrate and support diverse alumni, including cultural heritage events, milestone reunions, and professional networking opportunities.
  • Collaborate with internal partners to ensure diversity is well-represented in university-wide events, such as Homecoming, Alumni Weekend, and regional alumni gatherings.
  • Partner with the communications team in Development and Alumni Relations to create content, including social media and email outreach, tailored to resonate with diverse alumni.
  
  
• Data Management and Reporting:
  
  
  • Work with the data team in Development and Alumni Relations to maintain accurate records and engagement metrics for diverse alumni constituencies.
  • Provide regular reports on progress toward engagement goals and communicate trends, successes, and opportunities to senior leadership.
  • Ensure adherence to best practices in data security and privacy, especially concerning information about affinity or diversity characteristics.
  
  
• Communications and Marketing:
  
  
  • Collaborate with the communications team in Development and Alumni Relations to develop targeted messaging, newsletters, and other communications that celebrate the contributions of diverse alumni.
  • Maintain an online presence that showcases the accomplishments and stories of diverse alumni through digital, social media, and web platforms.
  • Ensure consistent branding and messaging across diverse alumni groups, amplifying Rice's commitment to inclusivity.
  
  
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions:

• Professional Development and Campus Involvement:
  
  
  • Represent Alumni Relations on university committees or task forces focused on working with diverse constituent groups and contribute to related campus-wide efforts.
  • Stay informed of best practices in alumni engagement and working with diverse constituent groups and incorporate these practices into the Office of Alumni Relations.
  • Attend relevant conferences and network with peer institutions to bring innovative engagement strategies back to Rice.
  
  
• Prepare special analyses or ad-hoc reports as requested
• Recruit, train, and oversee volunteers and volunteer-led projects
• Travel may be required for this position

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

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 contact Rice University's Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@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.

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