Program Administrator (Finance)

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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 how 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

The Program Administrator for Academic Success in the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) will be responsible for the design and administration of programs and projects that promote graduate student retention and student success. This position will be the liaison for other offices on campus with regard to graduate student success initiatives.

The Program Administrator IV administers a program or set of programs and is responsible for devising operational plans to achieve the stated goals and objectives for the program(s). This includes administering key functions such as operations, budget and financial management, human resources, events, outreach, and communications and may include a secondary connection with student support and recruitment. Assists with fundraising activities and supports faculty and/or senior staff in building and managing relationships with internal and external entities.

The ideal candidate should be strategic and committed to high standards for student success. They must be methodical, detail-oriented, self-critical, patient, a good listener, and comfortable pivoting based on emerging needs. They must possess strong logical skills, the ability to grasp and explain the academic context for graduate students and display excellent written/verbal communication and organizational skills.

Workplace Requirements

Must be Texas based. This position is initially on-campus, with an opportunity to be hybrid after completing the 6-month probation period. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position in a highly visible, central administrative office that offers Rice's generous benefits. The salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. *Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• Three years of related experience
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
• Skills
  • Ability to develop and initiate new strategies
  • Advanced problem-solving skills
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work well under pressure and manage projects simultaneously
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office suite
  • Strong data analysis skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedules
  • Adept at problem-solving, creating contingency plans, and handling issues when necessary
  • Strong client service orientation and attention to detail
  • Ability to develop complex or multiple program partnerships and funding sources
  • Knowledge of managing budgets and developing financial plans

Preferences

• Doctoral Degree
• Leadership, mentoring, or advising experience at Rice
• Experience forming and leading student groups
• Operates well in a relationship-based environment, with the ability to adequately deal with challenging individuals and situations, demonstrating a high level of emotional intelligence
• Self-starter who takes initiative, possesses a positive, "can do" attitude, and is resilient and adaptable to change
• Ability to take initiative and ownership of projects
• Demonstrated a high level of confidence in making decisions, good judgment, and innovative and creative problem-solving skills

Essential Functions

• Develops, implements, administers, and evaluates programs by: conducting research activities within the program, analyzing data, creating reports, reviewing trends, and making program improvement recommendations
• Develops and implements strategies related to outreach, events, communications, development, partnerships and fundraising/funding
• Creates short-term and long-term plans to achieve the mission and objectives of the Program
• Devises and manages financial and budgetary plans for the program(s), approves and monitors expenditures
• For academic programs, may be responsible for graduate student recruitment and admissions, student records, curriculum support, coordinating the accreditation process, managing scholarships and fellowships, and monitoring student progress
• May be responsible for grant preparation and submission or research administration
• May teach a course, seminar, or workshop
• May supervise small staff (up to three full-time staff)
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

• Independently administers the daily operations of assigned program(s) with some input from other team members in GPS
• Supports first-year doctoral students, providing tools to help them navigate their first year as a graduate student.
• Supports post-candidacy students, providing tools to help them transition to thesis writing,
• Supports graduate student success through orientation, communications, events, workshops, and other methods.
• Works to expand the connections between graduate students, postdocs, and alumni for student success purposes.

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

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Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.