Special Instructions to Applicants: 

All interested applicants should attach a cover letter and resume 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 Administrator for the department of Mechanical Engineering manages the daily operations of assigned program(s), ensuring efficiency across key areas such as program operations, course scheduling, student employment assignments, budget management, human resources, events, outreach, and communications. This position also involves managing the front desk, requiring excellent customer service and teamwork skills to create a welcoming and efficient environment. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective collaboration with stakeholders are essential to ensuring program success. Performs other duties as assigned.

Ideal Candidate Statement: 

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, organized professional with strong problem-solving and communication skills. They excel in administrative operations and budget oversight to ensure efficient program management and support, while providing excellent customer service and fostering collaboration to ensure program success.

Workplace Requirements: 

This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person at Rice University Campus, Department of Mechanical Engineering. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $55,700 – $60,800

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

Minimum Requirements: 

Bachelor’s Degree  1 + years in Program Administration & Operations, Budget & Financial Management, Events, Outreach & Communications, or related experience.  In lieu of the education or experience requirement, additional related education or education, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis. 

Skills: 

Ability to learn new strategies Written and verbal communication skills  Data analysis skills Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously  Good organizational and time management skills  Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite  Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedules Attention to detail Ability to develop program partnerships and funding sources Basic knowledge of managing budgets and developing financial plans

Preferences:

Experience with Oracle-based systems and Adobe Sign Customer Service oriented 

Essential Functions:

Administers the daily operations of assigned program(s) with general guidance of a faculty member or a senior staff member Conducts research, analyzes data, identifies trends and develops reports Plans and monitors annual project budgets, assists in the development of longer terms budget plans Recommends and implements outreach plans, including communications, events, marketing, conferences, etc. Plans and coordinates logistical aspects of recruitment activities Provides support to faculty, staff and students as related to the program For academic programs, may assist with graduate student recruitment and admissions, student records, curriculum support, coordinating the accreditation process, managing scholarships and fellowships, and monitoring student progress.  Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions: 

Point-of-contact for MECH Events and Seminars

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

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires 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.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.