Program Administrator, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a cover letter and resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

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.

About George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing:

The George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing ranks among the top 20 undergraduate engineering programs (US News & World Report) and is strongly committed to nurturing the aspirations of faculty, staff, and students in an inclusive environment. We seek greater representation of women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans in disciplines in which they have historically been underrepresented; to attract international students from a wider range of countries and backgrounds; to accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff who are diverse in background and thought, and we support an inclusive environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our diverse community.

Position Summary:

The Program Administrator II supports the administration of departmental programs, events, and related activities within the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEVE) in Rice University’s George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing. This role provides administrative and operational support across a range of departmental functions that contribute to the department’s daily effectiveness, visibility, and service to faculty, visitors, and other stakeholders. The position plays an important role in administering activities related to the Rice Global Forum, other departmental events, faculty meetings, visitor engagement, and related operational processes, helping to ensure that communications, timelines, records, and deliverables are managed effectively and professionally.

Working across multiple priorities, the Program Administrator II supports the administration and execution of departmental events and meetings, facilitates visitor setup and arrival support, prepares and maintains related materials and records, and provides administrative support for routine operational processes such as scheduling, expense-related documentation, and follow-up activities. The role requires strong communication, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, students, and external constituents. As a visible member of a small departmental team, this position contributes to a positive and responsive service environment while helping sustain organized, consistent, and effective departmental operations.

Ideal Candidate Statement: 

The ideal candidate is a proactive, highly organized professional with strong administrative, communication, and constituent-facing experience suited to a high-visibility departmental role. They can manage multiple priorities and stakeholders with professionalism, attention to detail, and reliable follow-through. They bring a positive, adaptable approach to their work, are comfortable working independently with guidance, and contribute well as part of a collaborative small department team. Experience in supporting programs, events, meetings, or related departmental activities would be especially valuable.

Workplace Requirements: 

This position is primarily in-person, with opportunities for some remote work based on departmental needs and business operations. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range:   $52,000 – 57,000 annually

*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, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis. 
• One or more (1+) or more years experience in program administration or related role.

Skills: 

• Strong administrative, organizational, and operational support skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and timelines with attention to detail
• Ability to interact professionally with a wide range of constituents
• Ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment
• Proficiency with standard office systems and administrative tools
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records, materials, and routine reports
• Ability to support efficient departmental operations and process improvement efforts

Preferences:

• Experience supporting programs, events, meetings, or related departmental activities with strong administrative follow-through, attention to detail, and effective communication across multiple stakeholders
• Experience working with internal and external constituents in a role requiring professionalism, responsiveness, and sound judgment
• Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities for process improvement and contribute to efficient operations

Essential Functions:

• Administers departmental programs, events, meetings, and related activities to support smooth operations and effective service delivery.
• Provides administrative support for departmental activities by preparing materials, maintaining records, tracking timelines, and supporting operational follow-through.
• Supports the administration and execution of departmental events, visitor activities, and faculty-facing initiatives, including logistics, communications, scheduling, and related follow-up.
• Prepares, organizes, and distributes routine communications, program materials, records, and other documentation in support of departmental operations.
• Maintains schedules, calendars, deliverables, and related administrative documentation to support continuity, accuracy, and timely completion of work.
• Compiles information and prepares routine reports, summaries, and supporting materials to assist with planning and departmental administration.
• Partners with faculty, staff, students, visitors, and school colleagues to help ensure departmental activities are administered professionally, responsively, and in alignment with established priorities.
• Contributes to process improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to strengthen workflows and enhance operational efficiency in support of department goals.
• Performs 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 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 get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@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.