"Program Administrator"

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 the Baker Institute:

Founded in 1993, Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy is one of the premier nonpartisan public policy research organizations in the country. As an integral part of Rice University, the Baker Institute has a strong track record of achievement based on the work of its fellows, scholars, and staff. The institute collaborates with experts from academia, government, media, business, and nongovernmental and private organizations.

Position Summary:

The Program Administrator is primarily responsible for supporting the research projects of the Baker Institute's Center for Tax and Budget Policy (CTAB). The research projects address public policy issues impacting local, state, and federal tax and spending policies. In addition, there is a concerted focus on economic growth, debt and deficits, competition, trade, demographics, and other macroeconomic issues. Specific responsibilities include handling administrative and financial operations of the projects; collaborating with research partners to disseminate research output, maximizing press and social media content; and organizing and attending CTAB events.
The position will be responsible for managing the administration of the center, including budget tracking, expense reporting, and onboarding student interns. The position will coordinate with Baker Institute staff on finance, human resources, event planning, and fundraising activities.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

Ideal candidates will have experience working as a researcher or policy analyst in a nonpartisan or bipartisan organization related to tax and budget policy.

CTAB's research examines the effects of existing law and policy changes on economic outcomes. The center also surveys academic research and legal scholarship for insights on problems of business, law, and economics that lend themselves to public policy solutions. The center proposes changes to law and policy based on its research.

Workplace Requirements:

This position offers a flexible work schedule (minimum of 3 days in the office per week). Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Proposed Hiring Range:

$56,000 - $65,000 per year

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.*

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree
• 2+ years of professional experience. Work experience as part of an academic program is acceptable.
  + 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:

• 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
• Ability to oversee and direct staff
• Knowledge of managing budgets and developing financial plans

Preferences:

• 3 years of professional experience
• At least one year of experience conducting or analyzing qualitative and quantitative research and producing research reports in an academic, political, or policy organization
• Experience working as a researcher or policy analyst in a nonpartisan or bipartisan organization
• Experience related to entrepreneurship, private enterprise, and/or economic growth

Essential Functions:

• Manages daily program operations, including creating and implementing plans to achieve program objectives
• Creates budget plans, oversees purchase orders, monitors expenditures, develops reports, conducts analyses, manages and maintains financial records, and records meeting minutes and outcomes
• Assists in the collection, preparation, and distribution of research materials
• Assists in the collection, preparation, and distribution of data for research
• Creates and implements plans for research events
• Manages research and student intern work schedules and timesheets
• Interacts with Baker Institute staff on finance, human resources, event planning, and development matters, including budgeting, procurement, and employee onboarding

Additional Functions:

• May manage other researchers and programmatic support staff
• Produces an annual report on the activities of the research program
• Performs all other duties as assigned

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