Rice University
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:
Under thesupervision ofthedirector of specialevents, the EventsSpecialist is responsible foran managing the planning and execution of a portfolio of assigned events for the Public Affairs division that may include presidential, development, student and community events and the related event etiquette and protocols.
The primary job duties of this position include the development of customized event strategies in collaboration with various campus stakeholders to design and execute elevated events that meet their program goals. This position will develop and maintain relationships with on- and off-campus vendors to successfully coordinate a variety of events.
The ideal candidate is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple tasks and events, and must possess strong verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of special event etiquette and diplomacy protocols.
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:
Commensurate based on experience
Two or more (2+) years professional experience with events management including planning and execution.
In lieu of the education/experience requirement, additional related education and/or experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
Preferences:
Professional experience working and planning events in an non-profit or higher education environment.
Skills
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Advanced communication and customer service skills
Excellent time management skills, well organized and detail oriented
Ability to interact professionally with all levels of internal and external constituents (donors, board/president, community leaders, team members, vendors.
Familiarity with event etiquette and protocol
Demonstrated ability to cultivate partnerships
Demonstrated high level of confidence in making decisions, good judgment, and innovative and creative problem solving skills
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and other online documents
Essential Functions:
Meets with stakeholders to plan scope and format of events, establishes and monitors budgets, and reviews administrative procedures and event progress.
Serves as project leader of events, coordinating teams that plan, implement, and manage all aspects of events.
Occasionally supervises the staff of outside vendors or student assistants while providing event services.
Takes responsibility for budget planning and management, venue management, and equipment and facilities management.
Builds and maintains relationships with internal and external partners.
Negotiates vendor contracts to minimize reliability and risks.
Researches and provides recommendations for potential event locations, and evaluates alternatives.
Performs all other duties as assigned.
Additional Functions:
Assists with event setup for on-and off campus events (including transporting favors, programs, and other special event related items)
Must have access to transportation
License/CertificationRequirements
Valid Texas Driver's License (or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment) required with no more than three moving violations 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
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.
Job Info
Job Identification 5232
Job Category Staff - University Operations and Administration
Posting Date 10/13/2025, 10:53 PM
Degree Level Bachelor's Degree
Job Schedule Full time
Locations Allen Center 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77005, US (Hybrid)
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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:
Under thesupervision ofthedirector of specialevents, the EventsSpecialist is responsible foran managing the planning and execution of a portfolio of assigned events for the Public Affairs division that may include presidential, development, student and community events and the related event etiquette and protocols.
The primary job duties of this position include the development of customized event strategies in collaboration with various campus stakeholders to design and execute elevated events that meet their program goals. This position will develop and maintain relationships with on- and off-campus vendors to successfully coordinate a variety of events.
The ideal candidate is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple tasks and events, and must possess strong verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of special event etiquette and diplomacy protocols.
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:
Commensurate based on experience
Two or more (2+) years professional experience with events management including planning and execution.
In lieu of the education/experience requirement, additional related education and/or experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
Preferences:
Professional experience working and planning events in an non-profit or higher education environment.
Skills
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Advanced communication and customer service skills
Excellent time management skills, well organized and detail oriented
Ability to interact professionally with all levels of internal and external constituents (donors, board/president, community leaders, team members, vendors.
Familiarity with event etiquette and protocol
Demonstrated ability to cultivate partnerships
Demonstrated high level of confidence in making decisions, good judgment, and innovative and creative problem solving skills
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and other online documents
Essential Functions:
Meets with stakeholders to plan scope and format of events, establishes and monitors budgets, and reviews administrative procedures and event progress.
Serves as project leader of events, coordinating teams that plan, implement, and manage all aspects of events.
Occasionally supervises the staff of outside vendors or student assistants while providing event services.
Takes responsibility for budget planning and management, venue management, and equipment and facilities management.
Builds and maintains relationships with internal and external partners.
Negotiates vendor contracts to minimize reliability and risks.
Researches and provides recommendations for potential event locations, and evaluates alternatives.
Performs all other duties as assigned.
Additional Functions:
Assists with event setup for on-and off campus events (including transporting favors, programs, and other special event related items)
Must have access to transportation
License/CertificationRequirements
Valid Texas Driver's License (or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment) required with no more than three moving violations 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
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.
Job Info
Job Identification 5232
Job Category Staff - University Operations and Administration
Posting Date 10/13/2025, 10:53 PM
Degree Level Bachelor's Degree
Job Schedule Full time
Locations Allen Center 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77005, US (Hybrid)
#J-18808-Ljbffr