David Vassar

Background

About David Vassar

Accomplished Executive Director & Higher Education Advisor professional with over two decades of experience in higher education, international relations, and edtech, seeking to bring strong relationship-building, program management, and global perspective to a mission-driven fundraising or philanthropic role. Extensive background working alongside senior university leaders and corporate stakeholders to advance institutional goals through high-level engagement, cross-cultural communication, and strategic initiatives. Known for a collaborative, coaching leadership style and a passion for organizations with global, educational, or humanitarian impact. AREAS OF EXPERTISE:Bilingual Communications (English/Spanish/Brazilian Portuguese)| Educational Fundraising | Donor Assessment | Grant Preparation | Major Gift Development | Presentations | Business Engagement | Program Management & Evaluation| Research | Public Speaking | Community Outreach | Leadership Development | Curriculum Design | International Relations SELECTED ACHIEVEMENTS:• Managed operations and communications for Rice University’s President during its $1B Campaign for the Second Century.• Drafted executive correspondence on behalf of the President, addressing a diverse range of constituencies including students, faculty, donors, alumni, and public officials.• Spearheaded Rice University’s international engagement strategy with a focus on Latin America.• Secured corporate philanthropic support, including a $30K gift from Schlumberger, while serving as Assistant Dean.• Directed the successful launch of CONTEX, a multimillion-dollar research and education collaboration between the UT System and Mexican universities.• Oversaw the $15M CONTEX budget, administering competitive funding programs for faculty, PhD students, and postdoctoral fellows.• Led Rice’s cross-functional team in planning and executing the 2015 visit of China’s Vice Premier and 60 university presidents from the U.S. and China.