"Graduate Student & Undergrad Program Administrator"

Job Details

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.

About George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing:
The George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing ranks among the top 20 undergraduate engineering programs (U.S. News & World Report) and is strongly committed to nurturing the aspirations of faculty, staff, and students in an inclusive environment.
We seek greater representation of women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans in disciplines in which they have historically been underrepresented; to attract international students from a wider range of countries and backgrounds; to accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff who are diverse in background and thought; and we support an inclusive environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our diverse community.

Position Summary:
The Graduate and Undergraduate Program Administrator oversees the Materials Science & NanoEngineering (MSNE) undergraduate and graduate courses and laboratories. Key responsibilities include student recruitment, administration of departmental awards, and budget management. This role supports the undergraduate program academically, working closely with the Chairs of the Graduate and Undergraduate Committees. Additionally, the administrator manages, implements, and promotes MSNE graduate programs, collaborating with faculty to develop and execute recruitment strategies for both undergraduate and graduate students. The position also oversees graduate student recruitment and admissions, including planning and managing all aspects and budgets of the annual recruitment weekend.

Ideal Candidate Statement:
The ideal candidate is a meticulous and forward-thinking professional with a background in academic program management and experience working in a university setting. They have a proven ability to oversee admissions, maintain student records, handle financial operations, and ensure adherence to institutional policies. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills are essential, along with the capacity to work collaboratively with faculty, students, and staff.

Workplace Requirements:
On-campus position: This position is exclusively on-site, requiring all duties to be performed in person at Rice University with some weekend and evening hours.
After a six-month probation, this position offers the option to work remotely one day per week. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $48,700–$60,800
*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
• 1+ years of administrative experience in a college or university

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:

• 2+ years of experience in a college or university setting
• Familiarity with Banner and the Rice University organizational structure
• Familiarity with Rice Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and OISS
• Familiarity with ABET and SACS accreditation procedures and requirements

Essential Functions:
Undergraduate & Graduate:

• Provide comprehensive administrative oversight for MSNE undergraduate and graduate academic programs in collaboration with faculty committees, the Department Chair, and central university offices
• Manage academic records, reporting, and compliance for accreditation and external reviews (e.g., ABET, SACS, ACS), ensuring timely and accurate documentation
• Support student progression and advising by tracking degree milestones, deadlines, and program requirements, and serving as a primary liaison for academic policies and procedures
• Coordinate course scheduling, General Announcements, cross-listed courses, grade reporting, and faculty committee support for undergraduate and graduate programs
• Administer departmental student awards, scholarships, fellowships, and academic program initiatives, including mentoring and orientation programs
• Manage recruitment and admissions activities for undergraduate and graduate programs, including prospective student databases, campus visits, offers, and the annual graduate recruitment weekend
• Oversee program-related budgets and expenditures, including recruitment and student program funding, purchasing card transactions, and financial reporting
• Serve as the departmental liaison to the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, OISS, Registrar, Dean’s Office, and other campus partners; perform other duties as assigned
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Rice University HR | Benefits
Rice Mission and Values

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 get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@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.