Human Resource Generalist

Special Instructions to Applicants:

All interested applicants should attach both a resume and a cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in PDF format to avoid formatting issues. In your materials, please highlight any experience you have with employee relations, compensation and career architecture, and the employee lifecycle.

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:
We are seeking a strategic and bilingual (Spanish/English) HR Generalist to support our Real Estate, Facilities, and Capital Projects teams during a period of organizational growth and infrastructure transformation. Reporting to the Senior People Strategy & Business Partner, this role partners closely with operational leaders to implement HR strategies that strengthen team effectiveness, workforce development, and employee engagement.

The HR Generalist will play a key role in coordinating and supporting HR initiatives in collaboration with Rice’s central HR team across the full employee lifecycle, including talent acquisition, onboarding, training and leadership development, and employee relations to support reorganization efforts and future workforce structure. The role also contributes to a positive workplace culture through retention strategies, offboarding processes, and the use of HR analytics to inform decision-making.

This is a high-impact position supporting a multifaceted and bilingual workforce that spans field-based, technical, and corporate roles. It offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a dynamic and evolving organization.

Ideal Candidate Statement:
We are looking for a strategic, self-directed HR professional with broad HR experience. The ideal candidate is skilled in coaching leaders, navigating complex employee issues, and collaborating across HR functions, with strong knowledge of labor laws and compliance. Fluency in Spanish and English is required. Experience analyzing HR metrics to support business decisions and working in fast-paced, multi-site environments is essential. A background in higher education, construction, facilities operations, or real estate is preferred, along with HR certification and leadership coaching.

This candidate will partner with leaders to drive change, build culture, and support business objectives during a pivotal period of transformation. They will contribute to shaping a workplace where people grow, thrive, and feel valued, working alongside forward-thinking leaders.

Workplace Requirements:
On-site presence is expected to support business operations and meet divisional support requirements. This position is offered as a hybrid role, with up to two remote days per week after initial onboarding. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $60,000 – $70,000. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. *Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s d