Description

The Assistant Director, Foundation Relations will work on the Foundation Relations team and engage with faculty members, university leadership, and Development and Alumni Relations colleagues to identify, investigate, analyze, organize, and evaluate foundation prospects for research and university funding by researching relevant databases and information sources, analyzing emerging trends in foundation philanthropy, and understanding Rice University’s priorities and strengths. In addition, the Assistant Director, Foundation Relations will support stewardship communication efforts on the Foundation Relations team.

The ideal candidate is curious and excited about emerging trends in philanthropy, is experienced in converting research into effective strategic recommendations, possesses strong written and verbal communication skills, understands university research and grant development, and thrives in a collaborative working environment.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 1+ years of related professional work experience researching foundations and grant opportunities, working in a fundraising environment, and/or working in library sciences, information sciences, or a related field

Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to efficiently and effectively search, retrieve, and synthesize information from public databases and filings, particularly IRS Form 990-PF and 990-T, to extract key details on private foundation structure, assets, giving history, grantmaking patterns, trustee/staff affiliations, and financial capacity
  Proficiency with specialized prospect research tools (e.g., Foundation Center/Candid, etc.) and a foundational understanding of their underlying methodologies
• Ability to navigate complex, non-standardized private foundation websites, annual reports, and digital repositories to identify specific program interests, funding priorities, eligibility requirements, application processes, and strategic plans that align with university research
• Skill in utilizing advanced search engine techniques and monitoring tools (e.g., Google Alerts, specialized news aggregators) to track foundation news, leadership changes, grant announcements, and emerging philanthropic trends in real-time
• Skill in developing clear, concise, and persuasive written research briefs, profiles, and pipeline reports for varied internal audiences (faculty, foundation relations officers, deans, and vice presidents)
• Ability to utilize time management and project management skills to work well under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite and Google products
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedules

Preferences:

• Master’s degree
• 2+ years of professional work experience in one or more of the following:
  • Prospect research
  • Corporate or foundation fundraising
  • Grants writing and management
  • High level of maturity and emotional intelligence with the capability of exercising good judgment
  • Understanding of the structure, mission, and funding landscape of a major Research I (R1) university, including familiarity with diverse research disciplines (STEM, humanities, social sciences, medicine, etc.) and common institutional priorities
  • Knowledge of fundraising database software and public records

Essential Functions:

• Takes part in faculty and research staff meetings to understand funding needs and inform research funding strategies
• Builds actionable and strategic prospect research plans and documentation in collaboration with faculty and Foundation Relations team members
• Collaborates with Foundation Relations team members to understand foundation RFP cycles and deadlines, plan action items and next steps, and prepare background materials for foundation visits and meetings
• Maintains an actionable record of institutional priorities and foundation opportunities
• Assists with university-wide communication of requests for proposals, emerging funding opportunities, etc.
• Assists in preparing stewardship reports conveying institutional history and giving
• Performs other duties as assigned

Additional Functions:

• Collaborates with campus partners in the Office of Research
• Manages multiple projects effectively while executing tasks and meeting deadlines
• Updates and monitors data in OwlConnect, the campus-wide CRM
• Works in an open office environment
• Involves limited local and infrequent out-of-town travel