Center Administrator

Position Summary

The Center Administrator oversees the daily operations of the Humanities Research Center. Their functional responsibilities typically include program administration, research administration, financial management, human resources, compliance, communications/outreach, and office management. The Center Administrator provides guidance to faculty and staff on administrative operations and university policies.

Ideal candidates should have strong verbal and written communication skills, basic knowledge of managing budgets, the ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously, and a demonstrated track record of following through on recurring responsibilities and communicating proactively.

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

This position is benefits-eligible, exempt, and work is completed on-site. It has an expected minimum salary of $61,000 annually (dependent on experience and qualifications).

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

• Bachelor’s Degree

Two or more (2+) years of related experience

In lieu of the education/experience requirement, additional related education and/or experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.

• Advanced problem-solving and critical‑thinking skills, creating contingency plans and handling issues when necessary
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office suite
  Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong client service orientation and attention to detail
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills
• Ability to develop and initiate new strategies
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage projects simultaneously
• Work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedules
• Develop complex or multiple program partnerships and funding sources
• Ability to oversee and direct staff
• Knowledge of managing budgets and developing financial plans
• Flexibility and adaptability

• Experience in a higher education environment.
• Expert knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database software programs to either complete work assignments or direct the completion of work assignments
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently or supervise others ensuring the timely completion of work

• Responsible for the management of daily and administrative operations and support to the center director, associate director, affiliated faculty, students, and programs
• Manages the development, implementation, administration and evaluation of operations, including, but not limited to: research administration, budget/finance, program administration, human resources, communications/outreach, and compliance
• Proactively plans, coordinates, and implements all logistical aspects of center meetings, events, conferences, workshops, and guest speakers, with support from student assistant(s)
• Provides administrative support to center activities, HRC fellows, and graduate and undergraduate students’ programming funded by the HRC as needed
• Provides guidance on the interpretation, implementation, and compliance with policies and regulations
• Maintains financial and awards records
• Participates in short‑term budget planning and supports long‑term budget planning
• Manages common and office spaces, including managing HRC conference room reservations, liaising with facilities for office issues, tracking and maintaining supply inventory, etc.
• Liaises with Rice services (e.g., facilities, campus mail) and external business partners
• Coordinates job searches, in conjunction with Dean of Humanities and Arts office
• Independently manages recurring administrative cycles
• Performs all other duties as assigned

• Processes reimbursements for faculty, postdoctoral associates and post‑MFA fellows, and graduate and undergraduate students
• Processes travel reimbursements and honoraria for guest speakers

Rice…