Program Manager at Rice University in Houston, Texas

Job Description:

Special Instructions to Applicants:

All interested applicants should attach a 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 Manager's primary role is to plan and ensure the successful execution of the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship's flagship events to further enhance our reputation for hosting preeminent entrepreneurship programs and events in Houston. The Program Manager will meet and network with hundreds of key leaders from the Houston entrepreneurship and investor community and represent the Rice Alliance to entrepreneurs, investors, sponsors, and other stakeholders (both internal and external to Rice). They lead membership management, handle registration for events, plan and execute student trips, business plan competitions, accelerator demo days, and entrepreneurship programs. This person works closely with many members of the team.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate is a self-starter, collaborates well with a team, has critical-thinking skills to pivot and problem-solve (especially during events), and is organized and detail-oriented. The candidate must have excellent project management and customer service skills, be able to juggle multiple activities, have strong business judgment, and be able to work independently with little supervision.

Workplace Requirements:

Rice Business primarily delivers residential classes and activities taking place almost daily between 7 am and 10 pm. We value a highly collaborative and community-based culture, with expectations to provide in-person support and services to all members of our community. Remote work options are limited. Most employment activities are required to be performed in person and on campus. This in-person approach is central to the successful achievement of our research and academic missions.

This position is offered as a hybrid role combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. This Project Manager is expected to be in person 3 days/week and more as needed leading up to events and during events. Remote work opportunities are possibly extended to the candidate following the successful conclusion of the probationary period. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: Hiring salary 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, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
  
  
• 2+ years of related experience
  
  
  • 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
  
  

• Ability to develop and initiate new strategies
• Advanced problem-solving skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage projects simultaneously
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office suite
• 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
• Ability to develop complex or multiple program partnerships and funding sources
• Knowledge of managing budgets and developing financial plans

• 3+ years of professional program management experience
• Self-directed and proactive. Should be able to work with a minimum of supervision. Creative, self-motivated, dependable, and able to follow own initiative on activities.
• Should be adaptable and flexible to take on new tasks as Rice Alliance activities change.
• Should foster teamwork among the Rice Alliance staff in accomplishing Rice Alliance goals.
• Superior attention to detail
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Must display professionalism in dealing with different individuals from CEO-level to students and display a positive attitude under pressure.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills: needs to be tactful and professional, possess good interpersonal skills, and tailor communications to the level of the individual, as required
• Individual must be comfortable with Microsoft Office Suite, MailChimp, and other graphics and project management programs that enable website utilization, customer management, and content management. This may involve learning some HTML language and/or other software to help maintain the Rice Alliance website.

• Administers program operations, ensuring efficient, effective, and productive operations
• Creates and implements plans to achieve program objectives and mission
• Interprets, implements, and ensures compliance with policies and regulations and recommends changes to procedures and processes
• Analyzes data, identifies trends, develops reports, and recommends and implements changes to improve alignment with institutional mission and goals
• Creates and implements outreach plans that may include relationship development, communications, event, and conference management
• Provides support in developing relationships with internal and external entities
• May assist with fundraising activities
• Creates budget plans, monitors and approves expenditures, develops reports, conducts analyses, and manages and maintains financial records
• Holds a Rice University purchasing card and submits expense reports
• Submits expense reports for some senior staff
• Performs all other duties as assigned

• Manage and execute the annual Ignite Entrepreneurship Silicon Valley Trek, including recruiting and selecting 60 Rice graduate students to attend each year
• Organize the annual Venture Capital Investment Competition where six teams from other universities come to Rice University to compete
• Organize and help execute the Rice Alliance OwlSpark summer startup accelerator
• Recruit and supervise 100+ volunteers for the Rice Business Plan Competition and other Rice Alliance events
• Lead and manage registration for Rice Alliance events
• Maintain Rice Alliance databases that include members, underwriters, advisory boards, start-up companies, and attendees
• Negotiate with and make decisions regarding caterers and other outside vendors
• Assist with creating program materials that are used at each event
• Help organize off-campus events as they arise

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.