Special Instructions to Applicants:

All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any 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 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 to the Vice President for Enrollment provides high-level administrative and operational support to the Vice President and plays a critical role in the efficiency and effectiveness of the Enrollment Division. This position requires a detail-oriented, proactive professional who can manage complex calendars, coordinate meetings and travel, and facilitate internal and external communications with professionalism and discretion.

In addition to traditional executive support duties, the Executive Assistant is responsible for coordinating and tracking key projects and initiatives, preparing high-quality reports and presentations, and serving as a liaison between the Vice President and various university stakeholders, including senior administrators, faculty, staff, and external partners. The position requires strong project management capabilities to ensure the timely and successful execution of strategic priorities.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate for the Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Enrollment is a highly organized, resourceful, and forward-thinking professional who thrives in a dynamic academic environment. This individual combines exceptional executive support capabilities with strong project management skills to advance the mission and strategic goals of the Enrollment Division.

They bring proven experience in managing complex calendars, coordinating high-level meetings, preparing detailed reports and presentations, and coordinating both domestic and international travel. In addition to excelling at day-to-day administrative responsibilities, the ideal candidate plays a key role in planning, tracking, and executing special projects and initiatives on behalf of the Vice President, ensuring that deadlines are met and stakeholders remain informed and aligned.

This individual is adept at juggling multiple priorities and timelines, using project management tools and techniques to create clarity and structure in a fast-paced environment. They are a proactive problem-solver with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working collaboratively across departments and with external partners.

With a deep commitment to service excellence, the successful candidate is mission-driven, detail-oriented, and motivated to contribute to the success of Rice's enrollment strategies and goals.

Workplace Requirements:

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $66, 000 - $75, 000 annually, dependent on experience and qualifications, full-time exempt.
*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
• 2+ years of related experience
• No substitution for experience allowed

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
• Contextual understanding of the executive's role within the university framework
• Demonstrated ability to perform duties with a high level of professionalism, flexibility, discretion, judgment, diplomacy, and tact
• Ability to multi-task, adapt to changing priorities, and meet deadlines
• Advanced computer skills and demonstrated experience with office software and email applications
• Ability to establish and manage priorities and handle numerous time-sensitive projects with conflicting and varied deadlines
• Demonstrated creativity, problem-solving, critical analysis, initiative, judgment, and decision-making skills
• Demonstrated ability to develop and meet budget goals

Preferences:

• 4+ years of experience as an executive assistant to senior-level management
• Experience in a university setting preferred

Essential Functions:

• Provides high-level and diverse administrative and project-related support directly to the Vice President; develops briefings, itineraries, and agendas; problem-solves, identifies priorities to ensure critical issues are addressed promptly, and suggests and implements changes; coordinates both domestic and international travel plans, itineraries, and agendas; manages the VP's communications and schedules calendar, coordinates meetings, and prepares meeting materials
• Provides advanced and complex support to the Vice President and is responsible for managing and prioritizing a wide range of projects and timelines, including establishing objectives, performing associated research, and writing multifaceted and sensitive communications
• Serves as the executive's liaison to various internal and external constituencies, including screening correspondence and telephone calls; keeps the executive informed of all matters requiring their attention
• Organizes and maintains the workings of the executive's office
• Serves on the Enrollment Leadership Team with Executive Directors, Directors, and Deputy Directors
• Takes responsibility for filing systems and ensuring all pertinent information and supporting materials are retained
• Directs staff to perform various tasks and assignments
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions:

• Coordinates with the Deputy Director for Administration, Deputies, and Directors across the division to ensure the smooth operation of the entire Enrollment Division
• Serves as backup to other administrative positions in the department
• Provides administrative support to the Enrollment Directors as needed
• Reviews contracts and agreements prior to determining the next steps toward full execution
• Communicates with suppliers and third parties on complex negotiations and timelines
• Leads planning and coordination of division-wide retreats and events which involve all division staff and leadership
• Serves as the first line of contact for the VPEnroll email account - receiving and assessing all incoming messages and determining appropriate actions and/or escalations

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.