"Senior Program Administrator - Resilience and Catastrophe Modeling"

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 that supports students through social events, intramural sports, lectures, and more. Rice values Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence.

The George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing ranks among the top 20 undergraduate engineering programs and is committed to diversity and inclusion.

Position Summary: The Padgett Research Group and the Consortium for Enhancing Resilience and Catastrophe Modeling (CERCat) in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering seeks a part-time Senior Program Administrator. This role supports research coordination and strategic initiatives in disaster resilience, catastrophe modeling, and multi-hazard risk mitigation. CERCat connects academic research with industry and public-sector partners.

The Senior Program Administrator will manage complex, interdisciplinary projects and high-level partnerships, ensuring alignment with research goals. This requires strong leadership, organizational skills, and the ability to translate technical research into actionable strategies.

Workplace Requirements: Part-time, approximately 25-30 hours per week, with flexible scheduling for in-person and remote work, subject to Rice policy 440.

Hiring Range: $65,000 (Non-Exempt, hourly, eligible for overtime). This position is funded by grants, with continued employment contingent on funding renewal.

Minimum Requirements: Bachelor's Degree and 3+ years of experience in analytical or project-focused roles in communications, marketing, law, engineering, public policy, environmental science, or related fields.

Skills: Develop strategies for research coordination and stakeholder engagement; advanced problem-solving; strong communication skills; project management; proficiency in Microsoft Office; data analysis; independent and team work; budgeting knowledge.

Preferences: Master's degree or equivalent in relevant fields; experience in program management, stakeholder engagement, grant writing, and compliance; ability to translate technical concepts; experience in coordinating interdisciplinary initiatives.

Essential Functions: Develop and evaluate research programs; implement outreach strategies; create plans for program goals; lead grant development; support research communications; coordinate collaborations; manage budgets; provide administrative support; may supervise staff.

Preferred start date as soon as possible. Occasional domestic travel may be required.