Housekeeper - Wiess President's House

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 — which stands for Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence.

Position Summary

The Housekeeper is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, organization, and overall presentation of the Rice University President’s official residence. This role ensures the home reflects the highest standards of care, supporting both the private living environment of the President and his family, and the professional use of the residence for hosting events, receptions, and guests of the University.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, discreet, and professional, with a strong commitment to service and hospitality. They should be experienced in high-standard residential housekeeping, including care of fine furnishings, delicate surfaces, and event support. Flexibility and reliability are essential, as the position occasionally requires adjusting to special functions, visitors, and irregular schedules. The candidate should demonstrate excellent judgment, confidentiality, and the ability to anticipate needs with minimal direction.

Workplace Requirements

This role takes place in a large private residence that also functions as a professional hosting space. Candidates must be comfortable working in both private household and event settings. 

This position is exclusively in person, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person at the Wiess President’s House. 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. 

Standard workdays will be Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with shift arrival/departure times as requested by President and Mrs. DesRoches. However, flexibility is required to accommodate evening, weekend, or holiday events. Occasional overtime may be necessary during periods of high activity. 

Hiring Range

This is a part-time, benefits-eligible position, and the proposed hourly rate is $24.00 - $26.00, depending on qualifications and experience. *Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2 years of related work experience

Skills:

• Extensive knowledge and skills regarding residential cleaning and the use of cleaning products
• Ability and high commitment level to keep things clean and organized
• Ability to organize workdays efficiently; takes initiative and self-motivated
• Demonstrates a high energy level as well as the ability to maintain a busy schedule under general supervision
• Desire and willingness to promote a welcoming, friendly, and respectful environment for family and guests
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Willingness to take direction, improve performance, and cooperate with other House Staff
• Extraordinary ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality of all activities of the President and the President’s family.

Preferences

• Prior experience in estate management, executive residences, or luxury hotels.
• Training or certification in hospitality, housekeeping, or a related field.
• Experience supporting events, including setup and guest service.
• Familiarity with effective cleaning products and practices.

Essential Functions