Associate Director, Alumni Programs (Alumni Career Engagement)
Rice University - Houston, Texas, United States, 77001
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Overview
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Overview
Rice University is seeking a strategic, forward-thinking, and creative individual to join the Alumni Relations team in the Development and Alumni Relations division as Associate Director, Alumni Programs (Alumni Career Engagement). This role is essential in designing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive career and professional development program that supports alumni at every stage of their career journey. The Associate Director, Alumni Programs (Alumni Career Engagement) will lead efforts to build lifelong connections between alumni, students, and the university through professional resources, mentorship initiatives, career workshops, and networking opportunities. This position reports to the Senior Director, Alumni Programs. The ideal candidate is a strategic, self-motivated professional with a positive attitude and strong relationship-building skills. They should have the ability to manage multiple priorities, demonstrate innovation in programming, and work collaboratively across campus and with external partners to create impactful career development experiences for Rice alumni. 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. 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, develop, and implement strategic initiatives that strengthen and establish alumni connections to Rice through career and professional development programming. Lead the planning, expansion, execution, and evaluation of in-person and virtual alumni and student career initiatives and resources, including but not limited to industry panels, topical workshops, mentorship programs, digital networking platforms, and speaker series. Oversee the development of industry-specific alumni career networks, cultivate a diverse group of volunteer mentors, industry professionals, and corporate contacts, and facilitate relevant interactions between identified constituents and university representatives as appropriate. Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with the Center for Career Development, Office of Corporate Foundation and Relations, campus departments, and external partners to expand professional development and industry opportunities for alumni and students. Integrate career and professional development content into Alumni Weekend and other key alumni events and programs. Regularly assess alumni needs at various career stages and stay up to date on industry and economic trends. Partner with Development and Alumni Relations Marketing and Communications team to promote programs, highlight alumni, student, and industry success stories, and increase participation. Manage an Assistant Director, Alumni Programs. Perform all other duties as assigned. Additional Functions: Prepare special analyses or ad-hoc reports as requested. Rice Mission and Values:
Mission and Values | Rice University 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 contact Rice University's Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or
adarice@rice.edu
for support. If you have any additional questions, please email us at
jobs@rice.edu . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.