Special Instructions to Applicants : In PDF form, applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Rice Synthetic Biology Institute (RSBI) at Rice University seeks a strategic and dynamic Assistant Director of Marketing and Development to lead strategic and integrated communications, marketing, fundraising, and event planning efforts that enhance the institute’s visibility, engage stakeholders, and advance its mission. This role will manage marketing strategies across digital, print, and social media channels, oversee content and web development, plan and execute large-scale events, support donor engagement and fundraising campaigns, and manage budgets. The individual will collaborate with faculty, staff, the office of development and alumni relations, public affairs, and external stakeholders to ensure seamless delivery and alignment with institutional goals.
The Rice Synthetic Biology Institute (RSBI), a newly established initiative, catalyzes collaborative research in synthetic biology and translates it into technologies that benefit society. The institute is led by an Executive Director and supported by a growing team, including a Director of Operations, a Program Manager, an Admin/Events Specialist, and the new Assistant Director of Marketing and Development. With plans for significant expansion, RSBI is focused on strengthening the synthetic biology community at Rice, fostering connections with regional industrial, government, and academic partners, and engaging global leaders in synthetic biology to drive innovation and societal impact. They will also support and assist the executive leadership in securing external funding and building strategic partnerships.
The ideal candidate is a self-starter, collaborative, creative, and detail-oriented professional with demonstrated experience in marketing/communications, donor relations, and event planning with higher education, research institutions, or similarly sized nonprofit organizations. They bring a proven ability to design and execute strategic marketing campaigns, manage high-profile events, and cultivate strong relationships with diverse stakeholders. This role offers an exciting opportunity for growth as the institute expands, allowing the successful candidate to grow their impact and responsibilities alongside the organization’s development.

WORKPLACE REQUIREMENTS

This position is on-site, requiring duties to be performed in person. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change. The role will not have direct reports. Occasional travel and evening/weekend work may be required to support fundraising events, donor meetings, and marketing efforts.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree
• In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis, may be substituted
• 3+ years of professional experience in marketing, communications, fundraising, or event planning
• In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis, may be substituted

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
• Must demonstrate support for RSBI Core Values: Collaboration, Growth Mindset, Innovation, Excellence, Psychological Safety, Adaptability