Job Description:

Special Instructions to Applicants : All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application. A cover letter is welcomed but not required. We suggest the documents be in a PDF format to avoid 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.

The Harris Gully Natural Area is a part of the Lynn R. Lowrey Arboretum at Rice University. The HGNA is a vital ecological corridor and watershed component of Brays Bayou. The area is currently undergoing a multiyear restoration project to bring parts of Rice's landscape closer to their original ecological state

Position Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Campus Planning and Design and working closely with the Dean of Natural Sciences, the Director is to oversee the stewardship of Arboretum projects and spaces, provide administrative leadership for the Arboretum Committee, and manage communications, events, and connections with local conservation groups. Additionally, the role supports advocacy efforts with on-campus stakeholders, facilitates student and faculty engagement, and provides expertise on conservation and native plants.

The ideal candidate for the Director of the Lynn R. Lowrey Arboretum is a visionary leader with a deep passion for botany, horticulture, and environmental conservation. They possess experience in managing botanical gardens, arboreta, or similar institutions. This individual demonstrates exceptional strategic planning and organizational skills, with a proven track record of successful project management.

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.

This is a part-time, benefits-eligible position, and the salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. *Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• 
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
  
  
• 
  4 years of experience related to ecosystem conservation or arboretum management
  
  
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
  
  
• 
  Skills:
  
  
  • Experience with horticulture and conservation related to the Gulf Coast region
  • Strong organization, time management, and communication skills
  • Ability to manage complex projects
  • Ability to develop and initiate new strategies
  • Knowledge of budget and developing financial plans
  • Adept at problem-solving, creating contingency plans, and handling issues when necessary
  
  

Preferences

• Ability and inclination to take an additional part-time appointment as an instructor teaching ecology courses of relevance to Rice students and the Arboretum.

Essential Functions

• Oversee stewardship of Arboretum projects and spaces
• Serve as HGNA (Harris Gully Natural Area) restoration lead.
• Provide administrative leadership for the Arboretum Committee
• Run meetings and subcommittees
• Provide weekly updates to the Committee on initiative progress
• Obtain authorization from the Committee for projects and expenditures
• Report to the Chair of the Arboretum Committee
• Oversee communications strategy for the Arboretum, including the website, with support of F&CP communications
• Plan events
• Manage and strengthen connections to local conservation groups and other community stakeholders
• Support advocacy efforts with on-campus stakeholders such as the Rice Board of Trustees
• Facilitate student and faculty engagement with the Arboretum
• Provide expertise on conservation and native plants for the Rice campus
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Working Conditions

• Must be able to traverse campus and navigate through natural environments.
• This position requires working outdoors in various weather conditions.

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.

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