Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report, renowned for its academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and dynamic campus culture. Rice fosters a close-knit, intellectually vibrant community where students and faculty thrive. The University’s commitment to rigorous scholarship, innovation, and quality of life makes it one of the most prestigious and sought-after private institutions in the country.
As a leader in research and discovery, Rice is home to world-class institutes driving advancements in nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and more. With over $100 million in annual research funding, the University’s impact extends globally, aligning its philanthropic efforts with bold academic and societal ambitions.
Looking to the future, Rice’s strategic plan, Momentous, is set to propel the University into its next era of growth and distinction. This visionary initiative aims to solidify Rice’s position as a premier institution for teaching and research by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, investing in groundbreaking health and sustainability initiatives, and expanding its role as a hub for innovation in Houston and beyond.
The Opportunity
Rice University is preparing to launch a transformational comprehensive campaign in 2026, setting the stage for bold philanthropic growth and engagement. To ensure campaign success, Rice is building a modern prospect management and analytics function that translates research and data into coordinated, actionable strategies to drive major and principal gift results.
The inaugural Executive Director, Prospect Management and Development Research and Analysis will be the architect of this effort. The Executive Director will lead and build a high-performing team in prospect management, research, and analytics, establishing best practices, metrics, and tools that optimize every stage of the donor lifecycle. This role offers the opportunity to operationalize intelligence across the Development and Alumni Relations division, equipping fundraisers with the strategies and insights needed to deepen relationships and secure transformative support.
In close collaboration with senior leadership and frontline fundraisers, the Executive Director will design and oversee prospect identification and pipeline development, portfolio management and standards, and data-informed strategies that are both innovative and sustainable. The successful candidate will bring technical expertise, strategic vision, and a collaborative mindset—guiding a function that is foundational to Rice’s long-term philanthropic goals.
This is a rare opportunity to enhance and evolve established systems, embedding intelligence, data fluency, and strategic insight into a campaign designed to achieve immediate impact and lasting institutional sustainability.
