Term-Limited Program Manager

Overview

Job Description

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.

This is a term-limited, full-time, benefit-eligible position. The term will end September 15, 2026, and should business needs necessitate, there will be an assessment to explore the possibility of extending this into a full-time position.

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.

The Program Manager is responsible for coordinating engaging and customized client experiences and operational excellence contributing to the overall success of Rice Business Executive Education Programs. This role provides exceptional customer service and seamless program coordination for a portfolio of programs. They act as the primary point of contact and project lead, tying together all program elements and stakeholders including corporate clients, faculty, participants, suppliers, and Rice staff.

With guidance from the departmental leadership and following our service-of-excellence standards, the Program Manager works autonomously and collaboratively to execute high-quality, high-impact, executive education programs.

An ideal candidate would bring exceptional customer service skills, a keen attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. They are flexible, able to adapt to changing priorities, and demonstrate executive presence with confidence and professionalism in all interactions. They should have critical-thinking and problem-solving skills and be able to take a proactive approach to managing complex projects and dynamic professional relationships.

Rice Business Executive Education primarily delivers in-person classes and activities taking place between 7 am and 10 pm primarily on weekdays with occasionally on weekends. We value a highly collaborative, interactive, and community-based culture for our staff and clients. Hands on, in-person support and engagement are a primary component of our service-of-excellence standards during program delivery. As such, remote work options are limited and variable.

Most employment activities are required to be performed in-person, on-campus or on-site at the client’s corporate location. Some travel is expected for off-site program delivery and training and development opportunities. This in-person approach is central to the successful achievement of our research and academic missions.

This position may be offered as a hybrid role and may combine both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Remote work opportunities are possibly extended to the candidate following the successful conclusion of the probationary period. Requires periodic travel to classes, conferences, and vendor sites as needed.

This position may require periods of moderate physical activity and the ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs. Activities may include rearranging moveable furniture (i.e., tables and chairs on wheels), operating a box cart, using a step ladder, standing and…