Assistant Director, Events

Rice University, located on a sprawling 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, is consistently ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Known for its intimate 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio and unique residential college system, Rice fosters a vibrant intellectual, emotional, and cultural community. The university offers extensive social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and opportunities for student governance, all designed to enrich the student experience. Rice is celebrated not only for its academic excellence but also for its commitment to community values represented by the acronym RICE – Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence. These values cultivate a welcoming and inclusive environment among faculty, staff, and students alike, making it an exceptional place to learn, grow, and work.

The position open is for an Assistant Director, Events within Rice University’s Office of Access and Institutional Excellence. Reporting to this dynamic office, the Assistant Director serves as a project leader responsible for conceiving, planning, and delivering elevated, high-quality events for the university. These events range from large-scale, campus-wide convocations, lectures, receptions, conferences, panel discussions, and donor engagements. The role demands comprehensive oversight, including budget management, financial transaction processing, RSVP tracking, venue procurement, vendor coordination, guest travel arrangements, and post-event feedback collection. The Assistant Director works closely with internal departments, multiple campus partners, external vendors, and volunteers to ensure each event runs seamlessly from the initial concept through to execution and evaluation.

This role is pivotal in advancing Rice University’s mission by fostering meaningful connections with key stakeholders and delivering institutional events that enhance the university’s community reputation and relationships. The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional planning and organizational skills, strong verbal and written communication abilities, and a deep understanding of event etiquette and diplomatic protocols. Working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, this professional must be a proactive problem solver, able to manage multiple priorities effectively while providing solid administrative and logistical leadership.

The position is an on-site role requiring physical ability to perform light work, including standing for extended periods and occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. Work hours are generally Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with an hour for meals, supplemented by frequent evening, weekend, and variable hours to support event delivery. The salary offered is $60,000 annually, funded by soft funds with employment continuation contingent on funding renewal. This exempt position is not eligible for overtime. Candidates should be prepared for a versatile schedule and on-the-ground presence during events to guarantee high-caliber outcomes consistent with Rice University’s standards.