Job Description

Position Summary:

The Associate Director for Campus Engagement serves as a catalyst for the development of high-quality programming related to belonging, leadership development, community building, and pluralism across campus. In this role, the individual is charged with fostering conditions and opportunities for students to develop the interpersonal, intercultural, and civic competencies that will contribute to their flourishing at the university and beyond.

Specifically, the Associate Director manages partnerships with residential colleges, student organizations, campus stakeholders, and community partners to create a vibrant and inclusive campus environment; oversees the coordination of heritage- and affinity-based celebrations and recognitions; and supports and advises cultural and affinity-based student groups, with particular attention to promoting leadership growth and organizational success. The Associate Director may also supervise professional and student staff.

The role advances institutional priorities by fostering meaningful engagement across differences, strengthening student organizations, cultivating leadership capacity, and partnering across campus to create a cohesive experience. Collectively, these responsibilities contribute to student success, a thriving campus climate, and the development of graduates prepared to lead in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

All interested applicants must attach one document in PDF format and label it by last name, first name. Please note that the applicant tracking system does not successfully convert attachments in Word format.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

An ideal candidate has experience facilitating high-impact leadership, intercultural, and dialogue programming; overseeing financial reconciliation; working with complex student policy issues; and advocating for a wide range of smaller student populations.

Workplace Requirements:

Frequent evening and weekend work is required for this position.

Workplace Location:

This position is primarily on-site, with most duties performed in person. However, a limited number of hours may be completed remotely to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Salary: $70,599

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

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree
• 3+ years of experience in a college or university setting, such as:
• Student programming, activities, or support
• Student leadership development
• Student organization advising
• Inclusion and belonging engagement
• 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:

• Proven communication skills, including written, oral, and visual communication
• Experience advising student leaders in one-on-one settings
• Proven ability to apply student development and learning outcome theories
• Proven ability to oversee event planning and programs
• Proven ability to instruct students and staff in risk management and program planning
• Ability to create educational workshops
• Previous supervisory experience

Preferences:

• Master's degree
• Leadership training experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of the experiences of smaller campus populations within a higher education context, with a particular understanding of the challenges faced by such individuals, as well as a strong appreciation of the social and cultural capital these students bring to campus
• Strong programming experience related to free expression, dialogue across differences, and pluralism
• Ability to provide mentorship and support to student leaders
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Bilingual

Essential Functions:

• Supports department and area mission, vision, and goals
• Develops and enforces operating policies and procedures for the area
• Supervises area staff, sets goals, and provides performance feedback and professional development
• Collaborates with student organizations and student leaders to develop and implement engaging programs, events, and activities that promote intercultural awareness and foster inclusivity
• Advises and guides student organizations on event planning, organizational management, and leadership succession
• Coordinates leadership development, financial responsibility, and risk management programming for student leaders
• Conducts regular assessments to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of programs and initiatives
• Oversees budgets for various accounts and programs within the program area

Additional Functions:

• Supports university initiatives and programming in the residential colleges and the multicultural center
• Establishes a supportive network and connections with external mentors and alumni
• Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with student organizations, residential colleges, academic departments, and community organizations to enhance support and programming efforts
• Collaborates on initiatives, leverages resources, and provides networking opportunities for students and student organizations
• Stays current with emerging trends, research, and best practices related to student leadership development and student affairs more broadly
• Performs other duties as assigned

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

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.