Job Description

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, 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 how we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — which stands for Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence.

The Housekeeper is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, organization, and overall presentation of the Rice University President’s official residence. This role ensures the home reflects the highest standards of care, supporting both the private living environment of the President and his family, and the professional use of the residence for hosting events, receptions, and guests of the University.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, discreet, and professional, with a strong commitment to service and hospitality. They should be experienced in high-standard residential housekeeping, including care of fine furnishings, delicate surfaces, and event support. Flexibility and reliability are essential, as the position occasionally requires adjusting to special functions, visitors, and irregular schedules. The candidate should demonstrate excellent judgment, confidentiality, and the ability to anticipate needs with minimal direction.

Workplace Requirements

This role takes place in a large private residence that also functions as a professional hosting space. Candidates must be comfortable working in both private household and event settings.

This position is exclusively in person, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person at the Wiess President’s House. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change. This role is classified as an essential position, requiring on-site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions.

Standard workdays will be Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with shift arrival/departure times as requested by President and Mrs. DesRoches. However, flexibility is required to accommodate evening, weekend, or holiday events. Occasional overtime may be necessary during periods of high activity.

Hiring Range

This is a part-time, benefits-eligible position, and the proposed hourly rate is $24.00 - $26.00, depending on qualifications and experience. *Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2 years of related work experience

Skills:

• Extensive knowledge and skills regarding residential cleaning and the use of cleaning products
• Ability and high commitment level to keep things clean and organized
• Ability to organize workdays efficiently; takes initiative and self-motivated
• Demonstrates a high energy level as well as the ability to maintain a busy schedule under general supervision
• Desire and willingness to promote a welcoming, friendly, and respectful environment for family and guests
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Willingness to take direction, improve performance, and cooperate with other House Staff
• Extraordinary ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality of all activities of the President and the President’s family.

Preferences

• Prior experience in estate management, executive residences, or luxury hotels.
• Training or certification in hospitality, housekeeping, or a related field.
• Experience supporting events, including setup and guest service.
• Familiarity with effective cleaning products and practices.

Essential Functions

• Maintain and clean all rooms, furnishings, fixtures, and surfaces with attention to detail and preservation of materials.
• Perform laundry services, including care of fine linens and garments.
• Support household organization, inventory, and supply management.
• Assist with event preparation, setup, and cleanup as needed.
• Adhere to high standards of discretion and confidentiality given the visibility of the residence.
• The ability to work evenings or weekends as necessitated by the President’s House schedule.
• Physical ability to perform housekeeping tasks, including lifting, bending, and extended periods of standing or walking.

Additional Functions

• Assist catering staff or external vendors during special events.
• Assist with seasonal décor, floral arrangements, or holiday preparations.
• Support minor household organization projects (e.g., closets, pantries, storage areas).
• Assist with inventory management and reporting maintenance issues to the appropriate staff.
• Participate in occasional household meetings or training sessions.

Working Conditions

Physical Demands

• The role requires regular standing, walking, bending, lifting (up to 25–30 lbs), reaching, and handling cleaning equipment. Must be able to move quickly and efficiently during standard tasks and event preparations.

Health and Safety Protocols

• Compliance with safety procedures, cleaning product handling, and household security standards is required. Protective equipment and all products necessary to complete tasks will be provided.

Dress Code

• A neat, professional appearance is always required. A uniform will be provided to maintain a polished household standard.

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 contact 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.