Administrative Assistant II

Special Instructions to Applicants:

All interested applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

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 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.

The Administrative Assistant II role provides advanced administrative and operational support to the Office of Admission at Rice University. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of daily operations within a fast‑paced and service‑oriented environment. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Administration and working in concert with an administrative team, the Administrative Assistant II performs complex administrative tasks, manages office calendars and schedules, and assists with the planning and execution of key admission‑related processes and events.

The ideal candidate for the Administrative Assistant II position will demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, discretion, and the ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision. This role requires excellent communication skills and a customer‑service mindset, as it serves as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including prospective students, families, and university partners. The Administrative Assistant II is expected to exercise independent judgment, handle sensitive information with confidentiality, and contribute to a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere aligned with the university’s mission.

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in‑office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration – typically a rotating schedule of three days in office with two remote. Exceptions to this schedule may include special events, in‑person meetings/retreats, or busy times of the year. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

$19.90–$20.30 hourly, non‑exempt.
* Non‑Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2+ years’ experience providing administrative support, preferably in a university setting
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year‑for‑year basis may be substituted

• Proficient administrative skills including calendar management, meeting coordination, and office organization
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with a wide range of stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to providing excellent customer service
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and comfort with learning new software systems
• Experience with data entry and database management (e.g., CRM systems like Slate or similar platforms)
• Exceptional attention to detail and a high level of accuracy in all work
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• Demonstrated discretion and sound judgment when handling confidential or sensitive information
• Prob…