Senior Department Administrator

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:

Rice University’s Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (ChBE) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Department Administrator (DA) to serve as the chief administrator, overseeing departmental operations, strategic initiatives, and financial management. This role is pivotal in supporting the department’s mission to provide high-quality interdisciplinary education and drive innovative research that leads to impactful advancements in science and industry. The Senior Department Administrator is responsible for managing all departmental staff and ensuring operational efficiency in support of faculty, students, and academic programs. Working in close collaboration with the Department Chair, this individual will implement initiatives, policies, and projects aligned with the university’s strategic priorities. Key responsibilities include overseeing budget planning and financial management—spanning department, research, discretionary, gift, and endowment funds—while ensuring fiscal sustainability and compliance. This position requires a strategic leader with strong organizational, financial, and managerial expertise who can effectively guide departmental operations and support faculty and students in achieving their research and educational goals. The ideal candidate will bring a proactive approach to administration, fostering a collaborative and efficient environment that aligns with Rice University’s commitment to excellence.

Ideal Candidate Statement: 

The ideal candidate for the Senior DA position in ChBE is a strategic leader with a proven track record of effectively managing diverse teams and complex administrative functions. S/he possesses exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with a proactive and inclusive leadership style, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and a forward-thinking approach, providing a welcoming, open-door policy for all constituents and using evidence-based approaches to managing people and tasks.

Workplace Requirements: 

This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in person at Rice University’s O’Connor Building for Engineering and Science. 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.

Hiring Range: $85,000-$90,000, commensurate with experience. 

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

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
• 4+ years of experience in an administrative role with significant financial and supervisory management
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted

Skills:

• Strong leadership and management skills, overseeing departmental operations and staff
• Expertise in strategic planning, policy implementation, and project execution
• Advanced financial management, including budget planning,