Assistant Director of Marketing and Development

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Assistant Director of Marketing and Development

🔹 Company: Rice University

🔹 Location: Houston, Texas, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full time

🔹 Category: Education Administration Programs

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-17

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Strategic planning and execution of marketing and communications efforts
• Management of fundraising campaigns and donor relations
• Event planning and coordination for various institute events
• Collaboration with faculty, staff, and external stakeholders to align with institutional goals

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, creativity, and adaptability to manage complex projects and competing priorities.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and implement integrated marketing strategies across digital, print, and social media channels

✅ Oversee day-to-day marketing and communications operations, ensuring consistent branding and message alignment with Rice University’s standards

✅ Manage and regularly update the RSBI website to optimize engagement, accessibility, and content accuracy

✅ Design and produce newsletters, brochures, and digital marketing materials

✅ Conduct market research and evaluate campaign effectiveness

✅ Plan, coordinate, and execute events of varying sizes, including scientific symposia, advisory board meetings, fundraising gatherings, and community engagement programs

✅ Support the design and execution of fundraising campaigns aligned with RSBI’s mission and institutional advancement priorities

✅ Assist in identifying, cultivating, and stewarding donor relationships with individuals, foundations, and corporate partners

✅ Write, edit, and manage grant proposals and donor solicitations to secure funding

✅ Keep grant funding information from various sources up to date and tailor funding opportunities into accessible formats for RSBI leadership and stakeholders

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of multitasking and requires strong organizational skills to manage various projects and deadlines simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent related experience)

Experience: 3+ years of professional experience in marketing, communications, fundraising, or event planning

Required Skills:

• Ability to simultaneously manage complex timelines, projects, and competing priorities
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including editing, fundraising messaging, grant writing, and donor relations
• Advanced problem-solving skills and sound judgment in decision-making
• Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Drive, and project management tools
• Knowledge of website management platforms (e.g., Drupal, WordPress) and marketing tools (e.g., HubSpot, Adobe Creative Suite)
• Familiarity with survey creation and evaluation to gather feedback effectively
• Strong data analysis skills to assess marketing effectiveness and fundraising performance
• Adaptability to changing priorities and a fast-paced work environment
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and creativity
• Demonstrated support for RSBI Core Values: Collaboration, Growth Mindset, Innovation, Excellence, Psychological Safety, Adaptability

Preferred Skills:

• Advanced degree
• Science background
• Experience working in higher education, large nonprofit organizations, or development roles
• Demonstrated ability to engage and cultivate relationships with high-level donors, alumni, and institutional stakeholders
• Experience in grant writing, fundraising analytics, and donor recognition programs
• Familiarity with major gift fundraising, planned giving, and capital campaigns
• Proven experience managing fundraising campaigns, donor relations, and development strategies
• Experience with donor management and fundraising platforms (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce)

ASSUMPTION: While a science background is preferred, a strong candidate with a non-science background but relevant experience and skills may also be considered.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $73,000 - $85,000 annually

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan with employer contribution
• Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
• Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday policies
• Employee assistance program

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week. Occasional travel, evening, and weekend work may be required to support fundraising events, donor meetings, and marketing efforts.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the proposed hiring range and industry standards for similar roles in higher education.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Higher Education, specifically Education Administration Programs

Company Size: 51-200 employees

Founded: Rice University was founded in 1912

Company Description:

• Rice University is a private research university located in Houston, Texas
• Known for its rigorous academics and strong research programs
• Offers a residential college system that supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally

Company Specialties:

• Career development and planning
• Student services and resources
• Alumni relations and networking

Company Website: https://www.rice.edu/

ASSUMPTION: Rice University is a highly selective and prestigious institution, offering a competitive and collaborative work environment.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level professional role with opportunities for growth and advancement as the institute expands

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Executive Director of the Rice Synthetic Biology Institute

Work Arrangement: On-site, with occasional travel, evening, and weekend work required

Growth Opportunities:

• As the institute grows, there may be opportunities for the successful candidate to take on additional responsibilities and advance their career
• Potential to work on high-impact projects and initiatives that drive innovation and societal impact in synthetic biology
• Opportunities to collaborate with and learn from leading faculty, researchers, and industry professionals

ASSUMPTION: This role offers an exciting opportunity for growth and professional development in a dynamic and expanding field.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a modern and collaborative work environment

Office Location(s): Rice University campus in Houston, Texas

Geographic Context:

• Houston is the fourth-most populous city in the United States and offers a diverse and vibrant cultural scene
• The Rice University campus is a 300-acre tree-lined campus with a strong sense of community and tradition
• Houston has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters

Work Schedule: Full-time, with occasional travel, evening, and weekend work required to support fundraising events, donor meetings, and marketing efforts

ASSUMPTION: The on-site work arrangement allows for better collaboration and communication with colleagues and stakeholders, fostering a strong sense of community and teamwork.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• On-campus interview with the hiring manager and other key stakeholders
• Final interview with the Executive Director of the Rice Synthetic Biology Institute

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and planning skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Cultural fit and alignment with Rice University's mission and values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the required qualifications
• Demonstrate your understanding of the role and the institute's mission in your application materials
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills

ATS Keywords: Marketing, Communications, Fundraising, Event Planning, Project Management, Data Analysis, Problem Solving, Donor Relations, Grant Writing, Website Management, Social Media, Collaboration, Creativity, Organizational Skills, Attention to Detail, Adaptability

ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills, as well as their cultural fit with the institute and university.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Google Drive
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Website management platforms (e.g., Drupal, WordPress)
• Marketing tools (e.g., HubSpot, Adobe Creative Suite)
• Donor management and fundraising platforms (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce)

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will have experience with relevant tools and technologies and be willing to learn and adapt to new platforms as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Responsibility
• Integrity
• Community
• Excellence

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and responsive to changing priorities
• Creative and innovative in problem-solving
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you approach managing complex projects and competing priorities?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in plans or priorities?
• How do you ensure consistent branding and messaging across various communication channels?

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong alignment with Rice University's values and a work style that meshes well with the collaborative and adaptable culture of the Rice Synthetic Biology Institute.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing complex projects and competing priorities may require long hours and occasional weekend work
• Fundraising efforts may involve working with high-level donors and stakeholders, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Occasional travel may be required to support fundraising events, donor meetings, and marketing efforts
• The dynamic and fast-paced work environment may present challenges for candidates who prefer a more structured or predictable work environment

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be able to manage their time effectively, prioritize tasks, and maintain a healthy work-life balance despite the demands of the role.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique in its focus on the intersection of marketing, communications, fundraising, and event planning within the context of a higher education research institute
• Compared to similar roles in higher education, this position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of academia and industry, driving innovation and societal impact in synthetic biology
• Career progression in this role may involve transitioning into a more specialized or leadership role within the institute or broader university administration

ASSUMPTION: The unique nature of this role requires a candidate with a strong background in relevant fields and a willingness to adapt to the dynamic and evolving needs of the institute.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive marketing and communications plan to launch a new synthetic biology research initiative
• Planning and coordinating a high-profile fundraising event to secure significant donations for the institute's research programs
• Managing the grant writing and submission process for a major federal research grant, involving collaboration with faculty, researchers, and external stakeholders

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, collaborative, and adaptable nature of the role, requiring strong communication, problem-solving, and project management skills.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the broader strategic vision and goals of the Rice Synthetic Biology Institute and Rice University?
• What are the most pressing challenges facing the institute, and how can this role help address them?
• How does the institute support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does the institute foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, and what steps are taken to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help the candidate better understand the role, the institute, and the university, as well as assess the cultural fit and opportunities for growth and development.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the Rice University Career Site
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the required qualifications
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills
• If selected for an interview, be prepared to discuss your approach to strategic planning, marketing, fundraising, and event planning, as well as your understanding of the institute's mission and goals
• Follow up with the hiring manager within one week after your interview to express your continued interest in the position

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.