Policy Leadership Program Manager

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.

About Baker Institute:
Founded in 1993, Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy has established itself as one of the premier nonpartisans public policy think tanks in the country. As an integral part of Rice University, the Baker Institute has a strong track record of achievement based on the work of its fellows, scholars, Rice faculty scholars, and staff.

Position Summary:
Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy is seeking a Program Manager to direct the operations of the institute’s James A. Baker III Policy Leadership Program (PLP). This global training program provides intensive courses taught by institute experts covering critical elements of policy planning, analysis, evaluation, and communication.
Reporting to the Institute Director, the position will be responsible for developing program objectives and implementing plans to meet program goals. 

The Program Manager will play a leadership role in shaping and delivering an innovative, international executive training program in public policy. In addition to managing daily operations, this role offers the opportunity to contribute to curriculum design, participant engagement, strategic partnerships, and program evaluation—helping to build a globally recognized model for policy leadership education. They will coordinate with program advisors and instructors as well as the Baker Institute administrative team to ensure efficient and effective operations in line with university and institute policies and procedures. This position may also assist with fundraising activities to sustain the program. This position is term-limited for one year, with the option for renewal based on program outcomes.

Ideal Candidate Statement:
Ideal candidates will have demonstrated experience managing educational programs in an academic or policy-oriented setting, with an interest in public policy and international engagement.
 

This position offers a flexible work schedule (minimum of 3 days in the office per week). Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Proposed Annual Hiring Salary: $65,000 to $75,000 *Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 3+ years of professional work experience in program administration, public policy education, executive education, or a related field

Skills:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of and interest in public policy
• Experience with event planning and program logistics
• Experience with digital tools for learning management and program evaluation
• Ability to work effectively with diverse, international stakeholders
• Experience with or interest in fundraising and partnership development
• Ability to develop and initiate new strategies

Preferences:

• At least one year of experience managing an educational program, executive training program, or curriculum within a research organization or institution of higher education
• Knowledge of and interest in public policy
• Experience working with international participants and/or cross-cultural program delivery
• Experience support