Assistant Vice President, Alumni Relations

Rice is widely recognized among America’s great research universities, yet 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 and, indeed, in the world. To support and to enhance this record of success, Rice University seeks a new assistant vice president for alumni relations.

Reporting to the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations (DAR), Kathi Dantley Warren, 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.

Working in close concert with strategic partners across the university and beyond – including the university’s colleges and schools, 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. Additional information, including a leadership profile, can be found at www.wittkieffer.com.

Candidates should provide a curriculum vitae, a letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in the Leadership Statement (see link above), and the names and contact information of five references. References will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of candidates. These materials should be sent electronically via e-mail to the Rice University’s consultants, 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.