Associate Director, Development Communications

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. The cover letter should include a link to an online portfolio of work samples.

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 Director, Development Communications, the Associate Director, Development Communications is an excellent writer, creative strategist and master storyteller who helps shape the voice of Rice University’s fundraising efforts. More than just a writing job, this position is about crafting narratives that inspire generosity and strengthen relationships.

As a key member of a collaborative team of writers, designers and fundraising communication professionals, you will:

• Create persuasive case statements and proposals that drive philanthropic investment.
• Craft presidential-level correspondence that reflects Rice’s mission and values.
• Interview donors and stakeholders to develop powerful stories that demonstrate philanthropic impact.
• Develop compelling marketing content that elevates our brand.
• Lead creative strategy on select projects — organizing brainstorming sessions, pitching bold concepts and aligning messaging with strategic goals.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, meticulous researcher and exceptional writer who understands how to tailor messaging for diverse audiences. The position is ideal for those who thrive in a fast-paced environment, love collaboration but can work independently and bring creativity and precision to every project.

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 in English, liberal arts, journalism or a related field
  • In lieu of a bachelor’s degree in English, liberal arts, or journalism, a bachelor’s degree in any field with a total of 5 years of professional writing experience would be accepted
• Three or more (3+) years of related professional writing experience

Skills:

• Advanced written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to synthesize a diverse array of input and data
• Advanced knowledge of multiple media formats
• Advanced knowledge of AP style
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills

Preferences:

• Five or more (5+) years of professional writing and editing experience
• Experience writing for development within higher education 
• Experience working with clients and managing customer relationships (includes faculty, deans and fundraisers)
• Experience working in a nonprofit fundraising campaign or initiative

Essential Functions:

• Research and craft compelling narratives that advance the university’s fundraising priorities, transforming complex information into convincing case statements, proposals and donor-focused content.
• Write persuasive case prospectuses and proposals for major gift and principal gift solicitations, tailoring content to resonate with high-level donors.
• Produce high-impact materials including donor stories, magazine articles, web content and marking collateral that inspire engagement and generosity.
• Edit and refine copy from other writers for clarity, accuracy and adherence to Rice style and tone, ensuring consistency across all development communications.
• Write and edit executive-level messaging on behalf of university leadership, including donor acknowledgments.
• Collaborate across teams to deliver creative, donor-centric communications that strengthen relationships and drive results.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Additional Functions:

• Lead creative strategy sessions for fundraising initiatives, including brainstorming concepts, pitching ideas and aligning messaging with donor motivations.
• Develop fundraising materials for schools, departments and special initiatives.
• Engage with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, administrators, volunteers and donors to gather insights and stories that elevate donor communications. 
• Balance creative work with operational demands, spending significant time drafting, editing and collaborating in meetings to advance strategic projects.

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

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 get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@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.