Program Administrator II

Rice University; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 31,800 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

Rice University’s George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing seeks a Program Administrator II to manage departmental programs, events, and related activities in ChBE.

This role coordinates daily operations, calendars, communications, and reporting to support planning and stakeholder needs. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, and proficient with spreadsheets, budgets, and office software; capable of coordinating multiple projects, liaising with faculty, staff, students,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; related experience may substitute.
• 1+ years of event management, program coordination, or administrative support experience.

Responsibilities

• Administers the daily operations of assigned program(s) and coordinates calendars and logistics.
• Plans and supports events and committee activities and prepares routine communications and materials.
• Tracks schedules, deliverables, and records; compiles information and basic reports for leadership.

Skills

Communication

Budgeting basics

Data reporting

Organization

MS Office

Team collaboration

Scheduling

Attention to detail

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Rice systems

Job description

George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing ranks among the top 20 undergraduate engineering programs (US News & World Report) and is strongly committed to nurturing the aspirations of faculty, staff, and students in an inclusive environment. We seek greater representation of women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans in disciplines in which they have historically been underrepresented; to attract international students from a wider range of countries and backgrounds; to accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff who are diverse in background and thought, and we support an inclusive environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our diverse community.

Position Summary

The Program Administrator II supports the administration of departmental programs, events, and related activities within the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (ChBE) in Rice’s George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing. This role coordinates daily operations across multiple program functions to ensure smooth execution, consistent service delivery, and strong stakeholder support.

Key responsibilities include coordinating program logistics and calendars; planning and supporting events and committee activities; preparing routine communications and materials; tracking schedules, deliverables, and records; and compiling information and basic reports to support planning and operational follow-through. The Program Administrator II serves as a key liaison and central coordination hub for faculty, staff, students, and partners, ensuring that timelines, communications, and resources are aligned so program activities run smoothly and meet departmental goals.

Ideal Candidate Statement

The ideal candidate is an organized, adaptable program administrator with experience supporting daily operations and coordinating events and committee activities. They have strong written and verbal communication skills; are comfortable working with spreadsheets, schedules, and basic budget information; and can compile data into clear reports and summaries for department leadership. They manage multiple projects and deadlines with attention to detail, learn new systems quickly, and bring a steady, professional approach to working with faculty, staff, students, and external partners.

In this role, the ideal candidate serves as a key liaison and central coordination hub for departmental programs, events, and related activities. They coordinate program logistics and calendars, support event planning and execution from initial planning through follow-up, and help track schedules, deliverables, and records so that activities stay on track. They prepare routine communications and materials, support committee work, and collaborate with the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing on events and the department’s digital presence by helping with materials and updates. By keeping information organized and stakeholders aligned, they help ensure ChBE’s programs and initiatives run smoothly and provide consistent, responsive support.

Workplace Requirements

This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in person on the Rice University campus.Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range

$48,000–$53,000

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis
• 1+ years of relevant experience in event management, program coordination, or administrative support involving scheduling, communications, and logistics

Skills

• Ability to learn new strategies, tools, and processes related to program administration and events
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Data analysis skills, including the ability to collect, organize, and interpret information for basic reporting
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple projects and events simultaneously
• Good organizational and time-management skills
• Knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn Rice systems and digital tools
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedules
• Attention to detail in scheduling, communications, recordkeeping, and budget/event tracking
• Ability to develop program partnerships and support related outreach efforts in coordination with department and school leadership
• Basic knowledge of managing budgets and developing financial plans

Preferences

• Experience supporting program administration or student services in a higher education or similar setting
• Experience helping maintain program or departmental web content or digital materials in collaboration with communications staff; comfort taking basic event photos for use in approved communications is a plus
• Willingness and ability to occasionally provide support for evening and/or weekend programming as needed

Essential Functions

• Administers the daily operations of assigned program(s) with general guidance from department leadership
• Conducts research, analyzes data, and develops reports and summaries for ChBE leadership
• Plans and monitors project and event budgets and assists in the development of longer-term budget plans for recurring programs and activities
• Recommends and helps implement outreach plans, including communications, events, and other program-related activities in coordination with the university and external partners
• Plans and coordinates the logistical aspects of program events and recruitment activities (e.g., room reservations, registration, vendors, and audio-visual arrangements)
• Provides support to faculty, staff, and students as related to departmental programs, including scheduling, materials, and follow-up for ChBE committees and initiatives
• Assists with recruitment and onboarding activities for new Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering faculty, staff, and students by coordinating schedules, logistics, and required documentation with relevant university offices, as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned

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

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If you have any additional questions, please email us at [e-mail]. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.