Assistant Director, Parents and Families Programming at Rice University in Houston, Texas

Job Description:

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.
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 Office of Alumni Relations is an important department within the Division of Development and Alumni Relations. The office leads the engagement and programmatic strategy for our off-campus constituents, primarily alumni, but also parents and families of current students, and community volunteers. Reporting to the Director of Alumni Engagement, the Assistant Director, Parents and Families Programming serves as the primary point of contact for inquiries from parents of current students. They play a crucial role in connecting parents to the university and helping them understand their vital role in their student's success. The Assistant Director will oversee a range of programs and initiatives, including Families Weekend, online webinars, newsletters, and other touchpoints with parents and families throughout a student's academic journey and beyond.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter, displays a positive attitude and professional demeanor, and is able to cultivate meaningful relationships while simultaneously coordinating multiple projects. The candidate must have rigorous attention to detail.

Workplace Requirements:

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. This position currently has a hybrid work arrangement with a minimum of two days per week in the office. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

Must possess (or have the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire) and maintain a valid Texas driver's license with no more than three moving violations and/or at fault accidents within the past 36 months, and no convictions or deferred dispositions for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) within the past five years.

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

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree
• 1+ years of related professional experience in an administrative, customer service or project management role

Skills:

• Ability to learn new strategies
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Data analysis skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Good organizational and time management skills
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedules
• Attention to detail and ability to quickly understand and remember details about alumni/donors/parents and projects to which they are assigned

Preferences:

• 2+ years of professional experience in one or more of the following:
  
  
  • Working in Alumni Relations or a Parents and Families Program office
  • Working with volunteers
  • Oversight/management of a board or committee
  • Working in Alumni Relations or in a customer service setting
  • Using Blackbaud CRM or similar alumni/donor database system
  
  
• Strong working knowledge of personal computers in a Windows/PC environment
• Strong communication skills with ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately and tactfully
• Detail-oriented with a strong focus on accuracy
• High level of maturity and emotional intelligence with capability of exercising good judgment

Essential Functions:

• Parent Engagement and Communication:
  
  
  • Serve as the main liaison between Rice University and parents and family members of current students by responding promptly to inquiries, providing accurate information and exceptional customer service.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with parents and family members, fostering a sense of community and involvement.
  • Curate and distribute timely newsletters with resources, updates, and university news.
  
  
• Program Development and Execution:
  
  
  • Design, plan, and execute engaging programs and events that connect parents and family members to the university, including Families Weekend, online webinars, workshops, and informational sessions relevant to their specific needs.
  
  
• Collaboration and Outreach:
  
  
  • Collaborate and foster partnerships with various student organizations, faculty, and campus departments to enhance parent involvement.
  • Work closely with Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) staff to integrate parent engagement efforts with broader DAR initiatives.
  
  
• Understanding the Constituency:
  
  
  • Develop a deep understanding of the unique needs, concerns, and expectations of parents and family members within the Rice community.
  • Conduct surveys and gather feedback to inform program development and improve satisfaction.
  
  
• Perform all other duties as assigned .

Additional Functions:

• Collaborate and coordinate with various campus partners (e.g., departments, schools, etc.) to achieve the goal of programs and projects.
• This position may require travel and the ability to work nights and weekends as needed.
• Requires frequent contact with many offices within the University, including all offices within the division and other administrative and academic offices.
• Requires extensive contact with parents and family members of Rice students.
• Requires occasional contact with internal and external vendors.
• Occasional travel may be required.

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 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.

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and the full inclusion of all qualified persons in the workplace. This commitment includes providing reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities. For applicants with disabilities who require 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.

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