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Rice University

Senior Director of Development – Shepherd School of Music

Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States, 77246


Special Instructions to Applicants:Rice University has partnered with Aspen Leadership Group in the search for a Senior Director of Development - Shepherd School of Music. You may view the position prospectus or submit an application via this link:

https://opportunities.aspenleadershipgroup.com/opportunities/1775 .Position Summary:The Senior Director of Development will serve as the chief development officer for The Shepherd School of Music and will plan, organize, and manage the development functions of the school, including complex major gift support within the Rice University setting. The Senior Director of Development will provide critical strategic leadership for an advancement program that incorporates development and external relations goals. The Senior Director of Development will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major and principal gift donor prospects capable of gifts at the $100,000 level and higher. They should be knowledgeable of the performing arts and classical music philanthropic landscape and an excellent relationship builder that has experience developing and implementing fundraising strategies to secure major operational and programmatic commitments for special initiatives.Workplace RequirementsThe office location is at The Shepherd School of Music. Weekly work hours will vary, depending on performance and event schedules.This position requires travel (approximately 15%).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.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.

7+ years of related professional development work, of which five years are in direct major gift fundraising experience, preferably within performing arts or higher education

In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted.

Skills:Ability to develop and initiate new strategiesAdvanced problem-solving skillsExcellent verbal and written communications skillsExcellent interpersonal skillsAbility to work well under pressure and manage projects simultaneouslyExcellent organizational and time management skillsExcellent knowledge of Microsoft Office suiteExcellent data analysis skillsAbility to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedulesAdept at problem solving, creating contingency plans and handling issues when necessaryExcellent client service orientation and attention to detailAbility to lead and motivate othersStrategic skills to craft and implement fundraising and/or project plansExcellent attention to detail and ability to quickly understand and remember details about alumni/donors and projects to which they are assignedEssential Functions:Define, plan, initiate, and direct all aspects of the fundraising program for The Shepherd School of Music including major gifts, annual fund, planned giving, and principal giftsDevelop and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors with an emphasis on gifts of $100,000 and aboveServe as a principal advisor to the Dean on all aspects of development, including strategic development, management, and support of the Dean's portfolio of top donorsCollaborate with Development and Alumni Relations on university- and Presidential-level donor relationshipsManage all aspects of the school’s development strategies and initiatives, including fundraising, alumni relations, volunteer management, annual giving, capital projects, stewardship, and donor eventsIdentify fundraising priorities and devise plans and strategies to accomplish revenue goalsManage the officer responsible for establishing Shepherd Society membership growth for increased individual contributions.Develop and execute long-term strategies for increasing the engagement and financial support of Rice University and The Shepherd School of Music alumni, corporations, friends, and other targeted philanthropic constituenciesEstablish benchmarking metrics for The Shepherd School of Music's charitable needs in collaboration with Development and Alumni RelationsPerform all other duties as assignedAdditional Functions:Serve on the school's Senior Leadership Team and oversee a team of two staffWork collaboratively with the Dean, Senior Assistant Dean, faculty, and Development and Alumni Relations colleagues in support of fundraising initiativesManage, lead, and evaluate staff to achieve fundraising targets, including strategic planning, solicitation strategies, and performance measurementsPromote a culture of high performance, integrity, and continuous improvement that values learning, collaboration, and a commitment to quality work among the development teamOversee management of a volunteer advisory boardProvide career coaching and personal development for direct reportsRice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels. It 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.

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