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Assistant Vice President, Alumni Relations

Employer
Rice University
Location
Texas, United States
Salary
Salary Not specified
Closing date
Feb 15, 2022

View more

Position Type
Executive, Fundraising, Alumni Affairs
Fields
Education
Employment Type
Full Time

Rice has achieved a position among America’s great research universities. Even in that category, it is distinctive: Rice is a great small university. That is, while smaller than most, Rice is able to compete with the best in the nation — indeed, in the world. To support and to enhance this record of success, Rice University’s Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) Division seeks a chief alumni relations officer to serve as the university’s next Assistant Vice President, Alumni Relations.

Reporting to the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, Kathi Dantley Warren (see bio in Leadership section), and serving as a member of her leadership staff, the assistant vice president, alumni relations (AVP) will benefit from a strategic planning process crafted to align the interests and ambitions of Rice University with those of its alumni.

The next AVP will also have the opportunity to work with Rice's next president and current provost, Reginald DesRoches. President-elect DeSRoches, is an internationally recognized structural engineer and earthquake resilience expert who has not only dramatically increased the university’s research awards and launched several new centers and institutes during his tenure, but also forged new partnerships and programs with institutions and organizations throughout the Houston area, including the Texas Medical Center. Rice University has launched a comprehensive capital campaign to raise $2 billion by the end of 2025, by far the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history.

Working in close concert with strategic partners across the university and beyond – including the university’s schools and units, and its athletics department – the AVP will lead the institution’s more than 60,000 undergraduate and graduate alumni in support of the university’s considerable aspirations and in building a strong and supportive community among the university’s external constituents.

The AVP will be a leader of people and programs with significant and successful experience in alumni relations, advancement or an analogous organization. Prior and progressively more responsible experience in a managerial position within higher education is highly preferred.

Absolutely required are the exceptional communications and relationship-building skills of a superior advancement professional. The AVP will be data-driven, understanding the deliverables expected by alumni and university stakeholders alike and holding himself or herself, the staff and the volunteers of the association accountable for a significant return on investment.

In return, the AVP will work with one of the nation’s most progressive universities, will lead and work in concert with an outstanding and loyal alumni body, and will reside in one of the nation’s most livable, enjoyable, and diverse communities. Above all, he or she will have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to a university very much on the move.

Recruitment will continue until the position is filled. Information about how to nominate someone or to apply for this opportunity may be found near the end of this document in the section entitled “Procedure for Candidacy.”

All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile at www.wittkieffer.com. WittKieffer is assisting Rice University in this search, which will remain open until an appointment is made. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal.

Nominations and inquiries may be directed to Mercedes Chacón Vance and Jessica Herrington at RiceAVPAR@wittkieffer.com.

Rice University values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law.

 

 

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