Director of Development - Gift Planning

Special Instructions to Applicants:
Rice University has retained Lindauer, an executive search firm, to assist in this search. Consideration of candidates will continue until the position is filled. Candidates should submit, in confidence, a resume and cover letter. Communications, nominations, applications, and inquiries concerning this search should be directed to Raegan Harvey, Senior Consultant,

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:

Reporting to the Executive Director of Gift Planning, the Director of Development
- Gift Planning is responsible for securing planned gifts and/or blended gifts; i.e., a combination of annual, outright, revocable and irrevocable life income gifts. Primary responsibilities include the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of alumni, parents and friends, with particular attention to those capable of gifts of $100,000 or more. The Director of Development
- Gift Planning values collaboration and partners in fundraising activities with a portfolio of school and regional major gift and annual gift officers. This person assists in providing technical expertise to development officers and university administrators. With oversight from the Executive Director of Gift Planning, the Director of Development
- Gift Planning participates actively in the design and implementation of the gift planning marketing and communications. The Director of Development
- Gift Planning mentors, coaches and participates in formal training of fellow development professionals and volunteers in blended and planned gift fundraising to further the fundraising and donor engagement goals of the organization.

The ideal candidate is either someone who has served in this capacity in a higher education or other non-profit organization or who has a legal background in estate and probate work and is interested in utilizing that knowledge to impact Rice University's mission by securing philanthropic commitments via estates and other planned gifts.

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

* Three or more (3+) years of major gift fundraising experience with a minimum of three years of demonstrated success in closing complex and planned gifts.

* 3+ years of successful experience in the fields of professional financial planning, trust officer, or practicing law, focusing on estate and/or tax planning will also be considered.

Skills:

* Strong knowledge of planned gift vehicles and gifts of complex assets

* Strong knowledge of charitable tax laws

* Working knowledge of estate and tax planning

* Ability to develop and initiate new strategies

* Advanced problem-solving skills

* Strong interpersonal skills and verbal and written communication skills

* Ability to work well with quick deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously

* Strong organizational and time management skills

* Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office suite

* Strong data analysis skills

* Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedules

* Adept at problem solving, creating contingency plans, and handling issues when necessary

* Strong attention to detail and ability to quickly understand and remember details about alumni/donors and projects to which they are assigned

* Strong client service orientation

* Ability to develop new and maintain existing relationships with probate attorneys,…