Associate Director, Alumni Regional 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 Regional 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 regional networks in domestic and international markets. Regional groups are a leading initiative in Alumni Relations that allows alumni, parents, and friends of Rice to engage with one another through diverse programming, including cultural, career, lifelong learning, service, and sports-related activities. Regional networks are spearheaded by passionate Rice volunteers who help to execute small- and large-scale programming for a variety of audiences. The Associate Director, Alumni Regional Networks, will build and implement varying strategies to strengthen alumni connection to the university through strategic and engaging programming, such as our marquee events: Holiday Parties and Welcome to the NeighborHOOTS.

This position offers the opportunity to build meaningful connections within Rice's alumni community and play a pivotal role in advancing the connection between Rice constituencies and the university, regardless of their physical location.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in alumni relations and/or community engagement.

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 can 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
  
  
• 3+ 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

• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to cultivate and manage alumni volunteers
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedules
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent 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

• Advanced degree, preferably in higher education, nonprofit management, or a related field
• 4+ years of professional experience in alumni relations, community engagement, or a related field
• 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

• Strategic Planning and Program Development:
  
  
  • Manage Assistant Directors on the Alumni Regional Networks team
  • Develop and implement strategies to increase engagement, connection, and philanthropy within regional markets
  • Collaborate with regional-based major gift officers to align efforts and maximize the impact of existing partnerships
  • Regularly assess alumni engagement metrics and use data insights to guide programming improvements and identify emerging needs
  
  
• Manage Assistant Directors on the Alumni Regional Networks team
• Outreach and Relationship Building:
  
  
  • Serve as the primary point of contact and advocate for alumni within regional networks, ensuring their voices and perspectives are represented in alumni programming
  • Actively cultivate alumni volunteer leaders who serve as experts for their regions and partners within regional programming
  
  
• Event Management and Programming:
  
  
  • Plan and execute events highlighting regional markets, including cultural, service, lifelong learning, and sports-related events, including large-scale marquee events
  • Partner with the communications team in Development and Alumni Relations to create content, including social media and email outreach
  
  
• Data Management and Reporting:
  
  
  • Work with the data team in Development and Alumni Relations to maintain accurate records and engagement metrics for alumni constituencies
  • Provide regular reports on progress toward engagement goals and communicate trends, successes, and opportunities to senior leadership
  
  
• Perform all other duties as assigned

• This position requires approximately 30% travel and the ability to work nights and weekends as needed
• Will work with and supervise the efforts of volunteers involved in alumni relations activities
• Prepare special analyses or ad-hoc reports as requested

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.