Special Instructions to Applicants: 

Applicants are required to submit a resume, cover letter and two writing samples.  Please save as one PDF file and attach under “other” document section of the application materials.

Position Summary:

The events specialist will work with the Public Affairs team in organizing, planning and executing high-quality events.  He/she will work with the Public Affairs team to identify event objectives, brainstorm event concepts and then follow through on their budgeting, planning, execution and evaluation. The holder of this position will remain current on event trends and university priorities.  He/she will evaluate, develop or update annual event plans in collaboration with others and help determine how departmental and university priorities are best achieved building goodwill with Rice communities. 

Workplace Requirements

Weekend and evening work may be required.  Must be able to run errands off-campus and have daily access to vehicle. 

Hiring Range:   Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.  This position is exempt and is not eligible for overtime pay and your salary covers all hours you work in a week. 

Minimum Requirements: 

Bachelor’s Degree In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis. 2+ years of experience, including administrative and events planning and execution.

License/certification required

Valid Texas driver's license (or ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment) with no more than three moving violations within the past 36 months, and no convictions or deferred dispositions for Driving While Intoxicated or Driving Under the Influence within the past three years.

Skills:

Strong project and event management skills with attention to details, time management, setting priorities, following through and meeting deadlines.  Ability to meet deadlines and prioritize. Strong communication and customer service skills. Ability to accomplish goals working through formal and informal channels, with diplomacy and tactfulness. Strong problem solving and analytical skills. Demonstrated ability to manage databases, complete mail merges and basic design and layout for the production of guest lists, nametags, promotional fliers, invitations and programs. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, audio visual and technical support with Zoom meetings and webinars.  Excellent interpersonal skills, both verbal and written communication, to interact with people from the community with diverse cultural backgrounds and high-level university leaders and guests. Working knowledge of basic Audio/Visual event components or ability to identify and collaborate with appropriate related vendors.  Knowledge of project management software for event and department coordination.  Ability to exercise mature, sound judgment and manage last minute changes and problems that might occur at an event.  Creative, organized and goal oriented. 

Preferences:

Work experience in institution of higher education or other nonprofit organizations that includes event planning and execution. Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish.  Experience with Drupal content management system.  Experience with HTML. 

Essential Functions:

Serves as events project manager of multiple activities, scopes out project tasks / team assignments and guides team to create work plans and schedules, monitors progress and meets milestones. Establishes and maintains relationships with internal and external university partners and the community building goodwill. Acts as department representative at cross-departmental project meetings. Operates as account manager on deliverables, program metrics and status reports. Recommends and schedules events into appropriate off-campus and on-campus venues. May oversee support staff, students, volunteers and contingent event staff. Provides assistance with special projects to university and multicultural community relations as assigned.

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

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels.  It 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.