Development and Alumni Relations Receptionist

All interested applicants should attach a cover letter and resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in PDF format.

The Development and Alumni Relations Receptionist serves as the central receptionist for the Development and Alumni Relations staff at the Ion Building in the Rice Innovation District in downtown Houston. The Receptionist is responsible for performing clerical and operational tasks, including managing room reservations and calendars, greeting and assisting visitors, answering phones, sorting mail, and ordering supplies.

The ideal candidate is energetic, personable, and comfortable providing office administration support for multiple professionals. They must have strong verbal and written communication skills and strong attention to detail.

This position is offered as a full‑time, in‑person, on‑site role at the Ion Building. Non‑Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• One or more (1+) year of related office experience in an office setting

• Basic computer skills and demonstrated experience with office software and email applications
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to follow through and complete assigned tasks
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Good customer service and interpersonal skills
• Ability to establish and manage priorities and handle numerous time‑sensitive projects with conflicting and varied deadlines

• Experience with Cisco VoIP telephone system or other digital telephone equipment
• Experience in a university setting
• Exceptional telephone voice with the ability to speak in a clear, easy‑to‑understand manner
• Exhibits maturity and good judgment in dealing with callers and guests
• Willingness to take charge of assignments and follow through with minimal supervision
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

• Assist with procurement of office supplies and coordinate replenishment as needed
• Process, sort, and deliver mail and internal correspondence to staff
• Coordinate scheduling of conference and huddle rooms for divisional staff as needed
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen environment in alignment with workplace safety and hygiene standards
• Greet visitors and route them to appropriate individuals, answer phones, and serve as a resource on procedures and general inquiries
• Distribute routine communications such as memos, notices, emails, and letters
• Enter data into basic tables, reports, and spreadsheets, and make copies
• Track facility and office equipment, such as keys, lockers, etc. via logs, and schedule repairs as needed
• Assist with routine meetings, including scheduling rooms, managing equipment, assembling materials, etc.
• Create and maintain files and filing systems
• Perform all other duties as assigned

• Answer phone calls to the main number for Development and Alumni Relations and direct calls or take messages as required
• Have frequent contact with building and Development and Alumni Relations staff and other university offices
• Become familiar with campus functions and stay current with activities in order to respond with correct information to callers and guests
• Open office environment
• Many hours spent at a desk

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 for support.