Events Specialist

Rice University is a prestigious private research university located on a sprawling 300-acre, tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas. Recognized nationally as one of the top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report, Rice is renowned for its rigorous academic standards, personalized attention with a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a unique residential college system. This system fosters a holistic student experience by supporting students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally. Through a diverse range of social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government activities, Rice cultivates close-knit, diverse communities that have become foundational to its exceptional campus life. As a result, Rice University is consistently ranked highly for both quality of life and value among private universities in the United States.

Beyond being a top-tier academic institution, Rice University is also celebrated as a wonderful place to work where faculty, staff, and students embody core values essential to maintaining a healthy and vibrant community. These values—Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence—are not only guiding principles shaping decisions and behaviors but also the foundation of the university’s welcoming and inclusive culture. They define the way members of the Rice community interact with each other and with visitors on campus.

The Event Specialist position, situated within the Office of the President’s Events team, offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the execution of high-profile university events and presidential initiatives. Reporting directly to the Director of Special Events, this role encompasses a broad range of logistical, administrative, and planning responsibilities that are critical to the smooth operation of signature events hosted by both the Office of the President and the Development and Alumni Relations division. The Event Specialist helps coordinate vital event aspects including vendor liaison, venue logistics, RSVP tracking, and on-site event management, ensuring each event meets its objectives and contributes positively to Rice’s mission.

This role is vital for the successful delivery of presidential programs, donor engagement activities, and institutional events that strengthen relationships with key stakeholders and advance the university’s strategic goals. The ideal candidate is a highly organized, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a dynamic and collaborative environment. They approach challenges proactively and juggle multiple priorities with strong communication skills and professionalism. This position requires the capability to manage sophisticated event details and provide dependable administrative and logistical support to senior leadership.

The Event Specialist position offers a hybrid work arrangement, blending remote and in-office work to foster flexibility and teamwork. While primarily office-based collaboration is expected, the role may require occasional evening or weekend hours to support event schedules, as well as some limited travel to fulfill university programming needs. The hiring salary range begins at $50,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. This exempt salaried role is not eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Overall, joining Rice University as an Event Specialist means becoming part of an institution known for academic excellence, vibrant community life, and a supportive workplace culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is a career opportunity to apply and develop event management expertise in an intellectually stimulating and mission-driven environment while making a visible impact on the university’s high-profile events and outreach efforts.