Special Instructions to Applicants:

All interested applicants should attach a cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format, to avoid any formatting issues.

Position Summary:

The Assistant Director, Alumni Engagement, in the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University manages alumni events and programming. The individual works closely with alumni volunteers and donors and collaborates across campus with university colleagues to develop and implement events and programs that engage Rice Business alumni. The Assistant Director, Alumni Engagement, collaborates closely with development colleagues within the Rice Business External Relations department, as robust alumni relations activities and programs are integral to successful overall fundraising efforts for the business school. In addition, this individual collaborates extensively with Rice University Development & Alumni Relations staff regarding university events logistics and staffing, relationship management with donors and alumni, and support the overall mission of the university.

Rice Business is seeking someone who is able to work independently but also brings value and teamwork to our high-performing, collaborative department. The individual in this role is a public-facing representative of a top-tier business school and will regularly interact with VIP external stakeholders, including alumni and donors. The candidate will occasionally have public speaking or presentation duties related to alumni events and programming.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate for the Assistant Director, Alumni Engagement role at Rice Business is a highly organized, self-starting, and detail-oriented professional with direct experience in event planning and volunteer management. They excel at building relationships, managing multiple projects, and delivering exceptional customer service to alumni, donors, and stakeholders. The candidate thrives in both independent and team environments, is comfortable with hybrid work technologies, and can manage the logistics of high-level events.

Workplace Requirements:

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. The External Relations department currently offices remotely due to construction; staff are generally expected to be on-campus 1-2 days per week. Flexibility for evening and weekend work, as well as residency in the Houston area, is required.

Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Salary Range: Minimum $60,000, with hiring salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree
• Two years of professional related work experience
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional education, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
• Skills:
  • Ability to learn new strategies, work well under pressure, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Ease with offering concierge-level customer service, even in fast-paced or stressful situations
  • Excellent written communication skills.
  • Strong verbal communication skills with comfort public speaking and presenting to both in-person and video (i.e. Zoom, Teams) audiences.
  • Comfort with the technology required to work in a hybrid environment.
  • Strong data analysis and reporting skills (Proficient Excel skillset required)
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Knowledge of CRM databases a plus.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedules
  • Familiarity with fundraising in a higher education or nonprofit environment
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to quickly understand and remember details about alumni/donors and projects.

Preferences:

• 3 years of work experience in a professional office setting and/or external-facing role
• Familiarity with working in a hybrid environment and with remote work technologies such as Teams and Slack.
• Experience interacting with high-level stakeholders both in-person and via phone and video

Essential Functions:

• Develops, contacts, and maintains relationships with alumni, faculty, students, staff, and vendors
• Recruits faculty and volunteers to facilitate their participation in alumni programs and events
• Develops and implements a range of alumni events, programs, and services
• Coordinates operational and logistical planning of alumni events, activities, outreach efforts, and event registration
• Maintains calendars for events, including arranging meetings, travel, and document preparation
• Produces reports and analyzes the performance of alumni programs and services
• Recruits and oversees student workers and temporary workers
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

• Manages and develops social media content and platforms, including social media engagement data and trend analysis
• Writes print, email, and social media communications
• Develops, plans, markets, and oversees staffing and budget for alumni events, programs, and initiatives; tracks alumni engagement metrics and event and program outcomes.

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels. It considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.