Senior Director of Development, The Shepherd School of Music

Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with Rice University in the search for a Senior Director of Development, The Shepherd School of Music.

Reporting dually to the Senior Assistant Dean in The Shepherd School and to the Executive Director of Development for Schools in the Development and Alumni Relations division, the Senior Director of Development will serve as the chief development officer for The Shepherd School of Music and will plan, organize, and manage the development functions of the school, including complex major gift support within the Rice University setting. The Senior Director of Development will provide critical strategic leadership for an advancement program that incorporates development and external relations goals. The Senior Director of Development will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major and principal gift donor prospects capable of gifts at the $100,000 level and higher. They should be knowledgeable of the performing arts and classical music philanthropic landscape and an excellent relationship builder who has experience developing and implementing fundraising strategies to secure major operational and programmatic commitments for special initiatives. The successful candidate will be a highly collaborative leader, strategic thinker, and independent entrepreneur with a demonstrated track record of securing major gift commitments and a proven ability to refine and actualize fundraising priorities in conjunction with key academic partners and administration.

The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University cultivates the mastery of musical performance, combining a conservatory experience with the educational opportunities of a leading research university. Guided by a belief that talent manifests along unique paths, The Shepherd School of Music limits its student body to 290 gifted young musicians. Each music major is provided access to world-class teachers dedicated to cultivating talent and professional success. The faculty at The Shepherd School is known for their individual instruction and for equipping musicians with the skills and experience necessary to develop their own esteemed careers. In just over four decades, The Shepherd School of Music has become a leading international music school, making it both one of the youngest and one of the most prestigious university-level programs in the country. A consistently highly ranked school of music, The Shepherd School is currently number six in the Niche list of best music schools in America. Alumni of The Shepherd School of Music go on to exceptional careers and include Pulitzer Prize and Grammy winners. They have debuted at Carnegie Hall, appeared with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the Metropolitan Opera, and hold positions in orchestras and chamber music groups around the country and globe.

Rice University is a private, comprehensive research university, offering undergraduate or graduate degrees across six schools. Rice's robust curriculum provides a vast array of courses leading to a holistic undergraduate experience that equips its students with the knowledge, skills, and values to make a distinctive impact in the world. Located on a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life by the Princeton Review and for best value among private universities by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.

Rice University seeks a Senior Director of Development, The Shepherd School of Music with familiarity with the Houston arts and cultural philanthropy landscape; at least seven years of professional development work, of which five years are in direct major gift fundraising experience, preferably within performing arts or higher education; experience successfully cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual gifts at the principal gifts level; and experience working with individual donors capable of making gifts with significant institutional impact. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and resume. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of The Shepherd School of Music as well as the responsibilities and qualifications stated in the position prospectus.

The salary range for this position is $125,000 to $140,000 annually.

Rice University is committed to the inclusion of all qualified candidates. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or participating in the selection process, please contact Kim Farr at kimfarr@aspenleadershipgroup.com.

To apply for this position, visit: https://opportunities.aspenleadershipgroup.com/opportunities/1775.


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