Senior Director, Prospect Management
Location: Houston, TX, United States · Reference: 5878
Position summary:
The Senior Director, Prospect Management leads portfolio strategy and prospect
management efforts that strengthen fundraising effectiveness and pipeline
growth. Partnering closely with development leadership, this role enhances
portfolio quality, drives prospect movement, and supports campaign readiness.
This leader sets direction for prospect management practices, ensures strong
data integrity and governance, and leverages insights to guide strategic
decision-making. The role also develops a high-performing team and fosters
consistent, collaborative support across fundraising units.
The ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader and strategic thinker
with demonstrated success implementing prospect management programs in complex
advancement environments using a liaison service structure.
Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants please
attach a cover letter and resume in Pdf format.
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.
This is an exempt (salaried) position under FLSA and not eligible for
overtime.
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in business administration, nonprofit management,
philanthropy, data analytics, or a related field
Four or more (4+) years of experience in prospect management, prospect
research, advancement services, fundraising operations, or a related field
with progressive leadership responsibilities
Skills:
Expertise in prospect management, portfolio strategy, and lifecycle
progression
Strong analytical and data skills, including use of CRM systems and
reporting tools (e.g., Tableau)
Ability to translate data into actionable fundraising strategies and
priorities
Advanced CRM proficiency (Blackbaud or similar) and commitment to data
quality and standards
Collaborative, consultative partnership style with fundraising leaders
Effective communication and change management skills
Proven team leadership, coaching, and development experience
High level of discretion and professionalism with confidential information
Preferences:
Advanced degree and/or relevant professional training or certifications in
advancement services, analytics, CRM administration, or related areas
5+ years of progressive professional experience in prospect management,
advancement operations, fundraising strategy, or a closely related
function
Experience supporting multiple fundraising teams in a consultative or
shared services model
Familiarity with Blackbaud CRM (or similar) and business intelligence
tools
Demonstrated success improving processes, governance, and adoption of best
practices
Knowledge of industry standards (e.g., CASE, APRA)
Essential Functions:
Partners with development leadership to enhance prospect engagement,
movement, and pipeline health
Oversees prospect assignment, governance, and lifecycle management
practices
Ensures data integrity, documentation standards, and effective use of CRM
systems
Collaborates cross-functionally to align prospect development and pipeline
strategy
Develops and leads a high-performing prospect management team
Promotes compliance with institutional policies and professional standards
Leads a liaison-based prospect management and portfolio strategy model
aligned to unit and institutional fundraising priorities
Plans, directs, and oversees portfolio and pipeline analysis using
analytics and dashboards (e.g., Tableau) to support strategic decision-
making and performance evaluation
Performs all other duties as assigned
Additional Functions:
Supports strategic initiatives, projects, and leadership reporting
Advances process improvements, training, and adoption of best practices
Maintains documentation and ensures continuity during peak periods or
transitions
Represents prospect management in meetings, committees, and working groups
to support alignment and collaboration
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 [email protected] for support.
If you have any additional questions, please email us at [email protected].
Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.
