Special Instructions to Applicants: 

All interested applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format.

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.

Position Summary:

The Executive Assistant provides high level support to the Vice President for Global, playing a critical role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of Rice Global. This role manages complex administrative tasks, including meeting preparation, project coordination, and international travel logistics for the Vice President and incoming delegations. As a trusted partner to leadership, the Executive Assistant demonstrates exceptional judgment, discretion, and problem-solving skills, independently addressing issues and anticipating the needs of the office.

In addition to supporting the internal goals of Rice Global, this role represents both the unit and Rice University to international partners and stakeholders. Acting as a liaison between the university and diverse constituencies, the Executive Assistant plays a vital role in fostering relationships, preparing materials for global engagements, and maintaining a high standard of professionalism that reflects Rice’s commitment to excellence on the international stage.

The ideal candidate for this position is highly organized, responsive, and a skilled problem solver with impeccable people skills. They are adept at working autonomously but thrive as part of a collaborative team. 

Workplace Requirements: On campus position: This position is entirely on campus. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: Salary commensurate with education and experience. 

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

Minimum Requirements: 

Bachelor’s Degree 3+ years experience in executive support or higher education administrative support

Skills: 

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including editing and proofreading.  Excellent planning and organizational skills  Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality. Demonstrated ability to cultivate positive working relationships and gain the trust and respect of all levels of internal and external constituencies.  Demonstrated ability to perform duties with a high level of professionalism, flexibility, discretion, judgment, diplomacy, and tact. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage changing priorities, and handle pressure  Strong problem-solving abilities and the capability to make decisions independently, prioritize tasks

Preferences:

5+ years in higher education administrative support Masters degree Experience working in a higher education institution, collaborating directly with faculty Foreign language fluency or familiarity, other than English
 

Essential Functions:

Manages the often-dynamic calendar and logistically complicated scheduling requests of the Vice President for Global.  Develops briefings, itineraries and agendas, problem-solves, identifies priorities to ensure critical issues are addressed promptly, and suggests and implements changes Coordinates travel plans, itineraries, and agendas; manages communications and schedules calendars, coordinates meetings and prepares meeting materials Composes correspondence; develops, reviews and edits presentations and documentation; independently researches and analyzes associated issues and/or compiles materials needed for presentation and/or decision-making purposes Oversees and/or manages multiple projects; anticipates and tracks critical dates, events and organizational issues for leadership; follows up with appropriate parties to ensure deadlines are met  Serves as liaison to various internal and external constituencies, including screening correspondence and telephone calls; keeps leadership informed of all matters requiring their attention Performs all other duties as assigned 

Additional Functions

Completes expense reports on behalf of the VP, ensuring strict compliance with relevant university policies Coordinates complex delegation itineraries and travel details for outgoing Rice University delegations and for incoming international delegations

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

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

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 contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@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.