Job Description:

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.

Position Summary:

The Rice University School of Architecture seeks a Director of Administration to efficiently and effectively oversee the administrative processes and human resources. Reporting to the Dean of Architecture, the Director of Administration is a senior staff position and a key advisor to the dean on all matters related to academic planning, organization, and human resources as they relate to faculty and staff. This includes, but is not limited to searches, hiring, appointments, reappointments, and promotions. Acting as a chief of staff for the school, the Director of Administration will ensure organizational efficiency by planning effective faculty and staff meetings, delegating tasks, and managing staff. They will promote a positive culture in everything that they do, driving efficient daily operations in support of long-term strategic plans.

The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing HR strategies, policies, and initiatives that align with Rice University's goals, values, and strategic initiatives. Additionally, this role will oversee administrative operations within the Dean's Office to ensure efficient and smooth day-to-day processes. With a keen attention to detail, the ideal candidate will possess excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills that will enable them to work closely and effectively with both faculty and staff.

Rice School of Architecture is a uniquely sized and highly selective program focused on design. We are known for our exceptional student work, world-class faculty research, and meaningful community engagement. We are particularly interested in candidates whose culture and lived experiences will expand the school community's perspectives and understanding of the world. We draw upon Houston's offerings in the arts and industry, as well as its diverse communities and cultures, to educate architects for a dynamic, multicultural world, and we approach hiring with the same ambition.

Workplace Requirements

This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

This role is classified as an essential position, requiring on-site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions.

Hiring Range: Salary commensurate based on education and experience

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
  
  
• 
  Four or more (4+) years of relevant experience in higher education administration, human resources and/or business management
  
  
  • 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
  
  
  • Expert knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and database software programs to either complete work assignments or direct the completion of work assignments
  • Excellent data reporting skills
  • Excellent presentation, verbal, visual and written communication skills
  • Excellent critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent leadership, resource management, and project management skills
  • Demonstrated ability to be creative, delegate, influence, and motivate to gain consensus
  • Ability to work autonomously or supervise others ensuring the timely completion of work
  • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to make informed decisions under pressure
  • Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills including conflict resolution
  • Excellent planning and organizational skills
  • Strong expertise in business and management computer applications and databases
  
  

Preferences:

• Master's Degree
• Proficiency in the HCM module in iO (Oracle Cloud)
• Proficiency in Adobe Suite, including Adobe Acrobat
• Experience with international visa processing
• Experience with HR employment procedures
• Experience working in a fast-paced, high-volume office environment
• Academic administration

Essential Functions:

• Manages the full range of faculty and staff lifecycle activities including job descriptions, postings, searches, hiring, and onboarding.
• Independently manages faculty and staff contracts, appointments, reappointments, leaves, etc.
• Leads and coordinates all aspects of the school's promotion and tenure process.
• Oversees the planning of school events, including calendar management, faculty and staff meetings, and retreats.
• Champions initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and Inclusion within the school
• Drives strategic initiatives and manages special projects as assigned.
• Assists and supports the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accreditation process
• Reports to the Dean of Architecture
• Oversees the maintenance of HR records
• Acts as the subject matter expert for the school regarding the interpretation, implementation and compliance with policies and regulations
• Anticipates problems and formulates plans/strategies to resolve and/or prevent
• Recommends actions and/or resolves complex issues
• In consultation with HR, manages employee relations matters, including conflict resolution, while ensuring fair and consistent treatment of all employees.
• Represents the school at the university level and/or to external constituencies
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

• Oversees the operations of the dean's office.

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

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels. It 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.

About Us

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, 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.

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