Assistant Director, Undergraduate Research and Inquiry (Finance)
Special Instructions to Applicants:
All interested applicants should attach a cover letter and resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.
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 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.
Position Summary:
The Rice University Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry (OURI) advances access to undergraduate research through faculty and student initiatives. Reporting to the Associate Director, the Assistant Director of OURI will bring intellectual and administrative leadership to expand opportunities and foster excellence in undergraduate research and creative work across campus. In collaboration with OURI staff and campus colleagues, the Assistant Director will split their time between supporting the Director in faculty development related to the integration of research into the curriculum; leading programming and courses that provide undergraduate research support; and administering faculty-mentored research programs intended to strengthen the pipeline of undergraduate research participation among students from under-resourced backgrounds.
Ideal Candidate Statement:
The ideal candidate will be a strong team contributor and have experience with inquiry-based curriculum design, student engagement/development, and program management.
Workplace Requirements :
This position is offered as an in-person role. Some remote work may be negotiated during hiring. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.
Hiring Range: $62,000-$65,000
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree
- 3+ years of experience
- In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
- Experience in curriculum development and use of evidence-based pedagogies
- Demonstrated ability to work with students from under-resourced backgrounds; experience with students transitioning between high school and college and between two- and four-year institutions
- Strong understanding of the nature of research in multiple disciplines; ability to advise students on the research process including finding opportunities, writing proposals, and presenting research
- Minimum of three years of teaching, advising, or administrative experience in a university setting with an emphasis on student programming and interaction; will consider graduate assistantships as work experience
- Background in organizing events, facilitating, and leading workshops and information sessions
- Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently to handle multiple, complex tasks
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 and cloud-based file systems
- 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
- Ability to oversee and direct staff
- Knowledge of maintaining budgets and developing financial plans
Preferences:
- Master's degree
- Familiarity with domestic higher education institutions, government research agencies, and foreign universities
Essential Functions:
Faculty Support and Development
- Support faculty consultations, programs, and training that advance excellence and innovation in the design and implementation of course-based undergraduate research experiences
- Support evaluation of course-based undergraduate research experiences
- Support undergraduate research mentor training for postdocs and graduate students
- Oversee a program to recognize excellence in undergraduate research mentorship
- Oversee implementation of Professional Development and Communication Support programs and manage faculty relationships
Program Management
- Collaborate on the design and facilitation of events, workshops, and courses for students to:
a) increase their understanding of research across disciplines
b) learn how to secure a research opportunity on/off-campus
c) support development of research communication skills in a range of genres (presentations, posters, journal articles, abstracts, and grant proposals)
d) increase preparation for fellowships, graduate school, and research careers - Collaborate with OURI staff to oversee the design and implementation of entry-level research programs, including program application and selection, advising, mentor recruitment, and evaluation (SER Scholars, SURF)
• Administer undergraduate research courses hosted by OURI (UNIV 301, Rice Undergraduate Scholars Program)
Campus Partnership
- Collaborate with OURI staff to maintain existing and develop new strategies and campus partnerships to engage, support, and retain students from under-resourced backgrounds in undergraduate research and creative work across all schools
Administration
- Support development of marketing and communication materials that promote OURI's work; update website as needed
- Assist in the development and implementation of effective procedures and tools to support program management and reporting functions; maintain program databases including historical records
- Organize events and coordinate with staff to effectively support event details
- Participate in program evaluation and assessment activities; prepare analytical reports on key indicators of program success including performance metrics, surveys, student and faculty testimonials, and anecdotal evidence to support strategic planning, university reporting, and donor stewardship
- Recruit, hire, train, and supervise student staff
- Participate in and present at local and national conferences and workshops related to research pedagogy and undergraduate research
Additional Functions:
- Additional tasks or projects as assigned
Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University
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.
Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and the full inclusion of all qualified persons in the workplace. This commitment includes providing reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities. For applicants with disabilities who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University's Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.
