Associate Director, Alumni Programs (Lifelong Learning)

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 dynamic and creative individual to join the Alumni Relations team in the Development and Alumni Relations division as Associate Director, Alumni Programs (Lifelong Learning). This role is fundamental in developing and delivering programs and resources that establish, strengthen and support lifelong learning engagement. This position will report to the Director, Alumni Programs.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter with a positive attitude and professional demeanor who is able to cultivate meaningful relationships while simultaneously coordinating multiple projects, displaying creativity and innovation.

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. 

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime. 

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 2+years of professional experience in alumni relations, development, or a related field 

Skills:

• Proven track record of creative program implementation
• Proven track record building relationships and developing strategic partnerships
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedule
• Adept at problem-solving, creating contingency plans, and handling issues when necessary
• Ability to develop and initiate new strategies
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills, with a focus on strategy and relationship building
• Strong attention to detail
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office suite
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent relationship skills and client service orientation
• Ability to quickly understand and remember details about alumni/donors and projects to which they are assigned

Preferences:

• Advanced degree preferred
• 3+ years of professional experience in alumni relations, development, or a related field
• Experience working in nonprofit/higher education settings
• Experience using Blackbaud CRM or similar alumni/donor database system

Essential Functions:

• Create and implement enrichment strategies to deepen the university’s ties to alumni and the broader Rice community through lifelong learning engagement 
• Lead the development, execution, and assessment of in-person and online alumni initiatives and programs including Beyond the Hedges, Brains in a Bar, ContinuOwl Learning, and more
• Collaborate with the Rice campus community, faculty and academic departments, and alumni to grow new partner relationships 
• Integrate lifelong learning programming into Alumni Weekend and other signature alumni events 
• Coordinate with the Marketing and Communications team in Development and Alumni Relations to promote programs and increase alumni engagement
• Manage an Assistant Director, Alumni Programs 
• Perform all