Executive Director – Property Operations

Special Instructions to Applicants:  DO NOT APPLY TO THE RICE WEBSITE FOR THIS POSITION. SEE THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE NEXT PARAGRAPH TO COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION. 

Rice University has engaged Russell Reynolds Associates to assist with this search. For additional information or to nominate qualified candidates, please email Rice-PO@russellreynolds.com. To be considered for the position, candidates must formally apply via Rice-PO@russellreynolds.com and must provide a resume and a cover letter that addresses the responsibilities and qualifications of the Executive Director, Property Operations role.  

Executive Search Lead: Steve Newton Steve.Newton@russellreynolds.com (346) 320-5858

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, lecture 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 how 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

Reporting directly to the Vice President for Real Estate and Facilities, the Executive Director – Property Operations will collaborate with the Facilities & Capital Planning (F&CP) senior leadership team to develop and implement efficient processes and high service standards.

This position oversees all operational, fiscal, planning, and personnel activities of the custodial, grounds, and maintenance teams—an organization of over 150 FTEs—dedicated to maintaining, repairing, and preserving the Rice University campus (over 300 acres and 70 major buildings exceeding 6.5 million GSF). The Executive Director is responsible for developing and executing long-range programs to ensure the effective stewardship of campus buildings and facilities, providing a safe and functional environment, delivering cost-effective custodial, grounds, and skilled maintenance services, and fostering a team culture committed to enhancing the beauty and functionality of the Rice University campus.

As an active participant in the pursuit of departmental strategic initiatives, the Executive Director is an essential resource for maintaining continuous campus operations during emergencies. This position works closely with staff, faculty, consultants, contractors, and regulatory officials to ensure effective collaboration.

The ideal candidate for the Executive Director – Property Operations role is a strategic and results-driven leader with deep expertise in facilities management, operational planning, and team leadership. They have a proven track record of managing custodial, grounds, and maintenance operations in complex institutional settings, demonstrating a commitment to service excellence and stewardship of campus assets.

Forward-thinking and dedicated to continuous improvement, the ideal candidate leverages technology and industry innovations to enhance operational efficiency. They are agile and decisive, with the ability to navigate dynamic environments while maintaining a focus on strategic priorities.

Above all, they are a mission-driven professional passionate about fostering an engaged and motivated workforce, upholding the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and service excellence to maintain and enhance the beauty, functionality, and longevity of the Rice University campus.

Workplace Requirements

This is an on-campus position requiring all duties to be performed in person at the Facilities & Capital Planning offices, Monday through Friday. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

This role is classified as an essential position, requiring on-site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifi