About this opportunity
Rice University lists this Senior Director, Prospect Management opportunity in houston, Texas. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Position Summary
The Senior Director, Prospect Management leads portfolio strategy and prospect management efforts that strengthen fundraising effectiveness and pipeline growth. Partnering closely with development leadership, this role enhances portfolio quality, drives prospect movement, and supports campaign readiness.
This leader sets direction for prospect management practices, ensures strong data integrity and governance, and leverages insights to guide strategic decision-making. The role also develops a high-performing team and fosters consistent, collaborative support across fundraising units.
The ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader and strategic thinker with demonstrated success implementing prospect management programs in complex advancement environments using a liaison service structure.
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.
*This is an exempt (salaried) position under FLSA and not eligible for overtime.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, nonprofit management, philanthropy, data analytics, or a related field
Four or more (4+) years of experience in prospect management, prospect research, advancement services, fundraising operations, or a related field with progressive leadership responsibilities
Skills
Expertise in prospect management, portfolio strategy, and lifecycle progression
Strong analytical and data skills, including use of CRM systems and reporting tools (e.g., Tableau)
Ability to translate data into actionable fundraising strategies and priorities
Advanced CRM proficiency (Blackbaud or similar) and commitment to data quality and standards
Collaborative, consultative partnership style with fundraising leaders
Effective communication and change management skills
Proven team leadership, coaching, and development experience
High level of discretion and professionalism with confidential information
Preferences
Advanced degree and/or relevant professional training or certifications in advancement services, analytics, CRM administration, or related areas
5+ years of progressive professional experience in prospect management, advancement operations, fundraising strategy, or a closely related function
Experience supporting multiple fundraising teams in a consultative or shared services model
Familiarity with Blackbaud CRM (or similar) and business intelligence tools
Demonstrated success improving processes, governance, and adoption of best practices
Knowledge of industry standards (e.g., CASE, APRA)
Essential Functions
Partners with development leadership to enhance prospect engagement, movement, and pipeline health
Oversees prospect assignment, governance, and lifecycle management practices
Ensures data integrity, documentation standards, and effective use of CRM systems
Collaborates cross-functionally to align prospect development and pipeline strategy
Develops and leads a high-performing prospect management team
Promotes compliance with institutional policies and professional standards
Leads a liaison-based prospect management and portfolio strategy model aligned to unit and institutional fundraising priorities
Plans, directs, and oversees portfolio and pipeline analysis using analytics and dashboards (e.g., Tableau) to support strategic decision-making and performance evaluation
Performs all other duties as assigned
Additional Functions
Supports strategic initiatives, projects, and leadership reporting
Advances process improvements, training, and adoption of best practices
Maintains documentation and ensures continuity during peak periods or transitions
Represents prospect management in meetings, committees, and working groups to support alignment and collaboration
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 get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at for support.
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Worksite address
houston, TX, 77246, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.