Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a cover letter and a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application. We suggest the documents be in a PDF format to avoid 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 how 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 Fondren Library Business Manager plays a significant role in managing administrative and operational functions for the library, primarily in the areas of human resources and financial management.  The Business Manager provides guidance to the University Librarian with regard to the administrative budget, and supervises an exempt individual contributor. They will promote a positive culture in everything that they do, driving efficient daily operations in support of long-term strategic plans. Additionally, this role will oversee administrative operations within the Dean’s Office to ensure efficient and smooth day-to-day processes.  With a keen attention to detail, the ideal candidate will possess excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills that will enable them to work closely and effectively with both faculty and staff. 

The ideal candidate will have strong computer skills, preferably in using the university’s integrated financial management system and Oracle Cloud software, and experience with HR functions, including hiring, onboarding, performance issues, and employee relations assistance.  The ideal candidate will also have experience working with budgets, and various types of funds, including endowments and restricted funds.

Workplace Requirements

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. A one-day work-from-home schedule may be allowed pending completion of the 6-month probationary period. Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the proposed salary range is $76,000 to $80,400 annually, depending on qualifications and experience *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 3+ years working in an office setting with financial and HR-related responsibilities. In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted Skills Expert knowledge of office and business software such as Microsoft Office suite, Google Workspace, and ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle Cloud Budget and forecasting, including financial reporting Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility Payroll management Benefits administration Excellent data reporting skills  Proficiency with human resources software such as Oracle HCM or Workday Advanced verbal and written communication skills Advanced problem-solving and critical-thinking skills  Ability to work independently or supervise others, ensuring the timely completion of work 

Preferences

5+ years working in an office setting with financial and HR-related responsibilities Knowledge of Oracle Cloud, the university’s Oracle-based financial system Experience working in an academic environment Strategic planning experience

Essential Functions

Responsible for the management of all departmental staff involved in administrative operations and support to library staff, students, and programs  Manages the development, implementation, administration, and evaluation of departmental operations, including, but not limited to, research administration, budget/finance, program administration, human resources, and compliance  Monitors trends and establishes goals for the department Provides guidance on the interpretation, implementation, and compliance with policies and regulations  Recommend actions to ensure compliance  Represents the department or function at the university level  Serves a primary role in the development and implementation of the annual budget, which includes salary administration  Participates in short-term budget planning and supports long-term budget planning  Manages budget monitoring, expenditure review, and approval, processing payments, conducting analyses, creating forecasts and identifying trends  Oversee the maintenance of financial records  Manages the human resources function for the department for staff; administers the visa process for international staff and students In consultation with HR, manages employee relations matters, including conflict resolution, while ensuring fair and consistent treatment of all employees.  Collaborate with the acquisitions staff and other staff charged with managing financial data with the goal of providing an integrated picture of the library’s budget Performs all other duties as assigned

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits 

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.