"Endowment Counsel and Minerals Manager"

The Endowment Counsel and Minerals Manager manages the University’s direct oil and gas holdings (mineral and net profit interests), handles transactional work relative to these holdings and the broader endowment investment office, and is responsible for addressing legal issues arising out of the activities of the Rice Management Company (RMC) and for protecting the legal interests of the endowment and the university. The role represents and advises RMC clients, solves legal problems, and facilitates investment transactions. Responsibilities include leading legal support for investment portfolio activity and overseeing the accounting and reporting functions of the Minerals Portfolio.

The position will also be responsible for maintaining systems that allow the University to efficiently process incoming royalty checks, analyze the accuracy of royalty payments, develop mapping capabilities, assist with internal reporting, and prepare data for 3rd party engineering and valuation reports. As needed, this role will be integral to creating and implementing new systems and process improvements.

This position reports directly to the RMC General Counsel and, when giving legal advice, reports to Rice University’s Vice President and General Counsel through the RMC General Counsel.

Workplace Requirements: This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in person.

Minimum Requirements: Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school, Member of the Texas Bar, or eligible for admission; Four or more (4+) years of related experience with minerals and royalties.

Skills: Commitment to fostering teamwork, building collaborative relationships, and demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills; Strong ability to provide outstanding client service and deliver quality work product in a timely fashion, effectively managing competing deadlines; Exhibits good judgment and discretion in sensitive matters; Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferences: Experience as a practicing transactional attorney involving private equity and other investments.

Essential Functions: Reviews and drafts agreements and other legal documents; Investigates legal questions and makes recommendations; Oversees the accounting and reporting functions for the Minerals assets; Assist with internal reporting and prepare data for 3rd party reports; Review applicable legal documents; Building relationships and interacting with third parties; Ensuring related incoming funds are accurate; Engaging internal or outside counsel as needed; Maintains data of applicable systems; Inputs and maintains mapping data; Assists with reviews of expenses and other key reporting items; Maintains an organized electronic and hard copy document filing system; Prepares and maintains internal cash flow models; Prepares various portfolio reports; Researches activity surrounding current portfolio interests to identify and recommend acquisitions.