Special Instructions to Applicants: 

Please note that Rice University will be closed for the holidays and Winter Recess from December 24th through January 1st. During this time, we will not be reviewing applications or scheduling interviews.

All interested applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities. 

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary:

The Program Manager is responsible for coordinating engaging and customized client experiences and operational excellence contributing to the overall success of Rice Business Executive Education Programs. This role provides exceptional customer service and seamless program coordination for a portfolio of programs. They act as the primary point of contact and project lead, tying together all program elements and stakeholders including corporate clients, faculty, participants, suppliers, and Rice staff. With guidance from the departmental leadership and following our service-of-excellence standards, the Program Manager works autonomously and collaboratively to execute high-quality, high-impact, executive education programs. 

Ideal Candidate Statement:

An ideal candidate would bring exceptional customer service skills, a keen attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. They are flexible, able to adapt to changing priorities, and demonstrate executive presence with confidence and professionalism in all interactions. They should have critical-thinking and problem-solving skills and be able to take a proactive approach to managing complex projects and dynamic professional relationships.

Workplace Requirements:

Rice Business Executive Education primarily delivers in-person classes and activities taking place between 7 am and 10 pm primarily on weekdays with occasionally on weekends. We value a highly collaborative, interactive, and community-based culture for our staff and clients. Hands on, in-person support and engagement are a primary component of our service-of-excellence standards during program delivery. As such, remote work options are limited and variable. Most employment activities are required to be performed in-person, on-campus or on-site at the client’s corporate location. Some travel is expected for off-site program delivery and training and development opportunities. This in-person approach is central to the successful achievement of our research and academic missions.  

This position may be offered as a hybrid role and may combine both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Remote work opportunities are possibly extended to the candidate following the successful conclusion of the probationary period. Requires periodic travel to classes, conferences, and vendor sites as needed.

*Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: Minimum $62,000 commensurate with experience

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime. 

Minimum Requirements: 

Bachelor’s Degree In lieu of the education requirement, additional related professional work experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis 2+ years of professional administrative work experience in client facing role with focus on top-tier service delivery  In lieu of the experience requirement, additional education above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis. This position primarily carries out administrative functions that require extended periods of time using a personal computer. This position may requires periods of moderate physical activity and the ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs. Activities may include rearranging moveable furniture (i.e., tables and chairs on wheels), operating a box cart, using a step ladder, standing and walking for long periods of time, and navigate between multiple on and off campus locations. Skills:  Advanced problem-solving skills Strong verbal and written communications skills Ability to work well under pressure and manage projects simultaneously Excellent command of English language/grammar  Strong organizational and time management skills Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office suite Able to learn and work on our LMS, currently Canvas systems Strong data analysis skills Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedules Adept at problem-solving, creating contingency plans, and handling issues when necessary Strong client service orientation and attention to detail Knowledge of managing budgets and developing financial plans

Preferences:

Professional experience in hospitality, executive education, corporate, or nonprofit settings. Professional experience managing events, conferences, or educational programs. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and ensure high attention to detail. Experience with CRM platforms, learning management systems, and project or event management tools. Advanced problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively across teams.

Essential Functions:

Program Planning and Coordination

Coordinate, schedule, and confirm program details such as dates, times, attendance, speakers, coaching sessions, locations, transportation, lodging, catering, gifts, and special events, tying all programmatic elements into the broader academic program objectives. Confirm, procure and organize all teaching materials such as copyright permissions, assessments, books, surveys, evaluations, homework assignments, online simulations, printed materials, and special activity materials per the request of instructors, faculty directors, guest speakers, sponsors, and coaches. Identify and maintain working relationships with key stakeholders, defining roles for both client and Executive Education teams. Schedule and facilitate client and faculty planning meetings, including customization calls, pre-program kickoff sessions, and after-action reviews. Manage program communications with internal (instructors, coaches, staff) and external (participants, sponsors, and clients) stakeholders. This includes program agendas, schedules, welcome emails, program instructions, and other documents, signage, graphics, and notifications. Administer client assignments, assessments, evaluations, and post-program follow-ups. Manage the program’s learning management system (LMS) setup, schedule updates, and quality review.

Client and Participant Engagement

Act as the primary point of contact for clients, ensuring consistent communication and addressing concerns.  Facilitate and be present for program transitions (beginning of day, breaks, meals, and activities) proactively engaging with clients and anticipating needs. Provide engaging and informative welcoming and closing remarks, a comprehensive safety briefing, and regular announcements throughout the program in-person and via LMS. Conduct regular check-ins with sponsors throughout program, and with participants as needed. Engage with participants throughout the entire lifecycle of the participant’s program experience which may include pre-program onboarding, informational meetings, wrap-up sessions, and follow-up communications.

Quality Assurance and Logistics Support

Ensure quality control for all digital and physical participant-facing content and communications consistent with service-of-excellence standards and branding and communication guidelines. Ensure quality control for all event and logistical details such as classroom set-up, furniture, transportation, catering, gifts, décor and facility readiness (i.e. room temperature, signage, cleanliness, and general aesthetics). Manage relationships with suppliers, holding them to service-of-excellence standards, and oversee any change protocols.

Reporting and Continuous Improvement

Schedule and facilitate program debrief sessions (internal and external) to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement. Track and report program performance, including P&L accuracy and evaluation results, providing post-program data to clients, and documenting changes for future iterations.

Instructional Team Collaboration

Proactively develop professional relationships with the instructional team (instructors, guest speakers, faculty directors, and coaches). Provide administrative support to instructional team such as scheduling, procuring and organizing program materials, and providing relevant program and client information to support educational objectives (i.e. participant rosters, demographic summaries and annotations, and sponsors).      With guidance and support from the Executive Education leadership team set expectations, determine deadlines, provide feedback, and report changes to the instructional team.  Conduct regular check-ins with the instructional team and provide onsite support as needed to support learning objectives and in line with service-of-excellence standards. Confirm offsite or onsite program details for faculty and provide briefing materials as necessary.

Additional Functions

Follow all Rice University Standards of Conduct and uphold all university security and data privacy protocol. Engage in JGSB and Executive Education activities such as training, professional development, team meetings, event support, and culture building activities.

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and the full inclusion of all qualified persons in the workplace. This commitment includes providing reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities. For applicants with disabilities who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.