Chief of Staff

The Search Process

Rice University is being assisted in this process by Spencer Stuart and welcomes nominations or expressions of interest. If you wish to submit your application materials or nominate someone to serve as Chief of Staff to the president of Rice University, please send an email message with supporting materials to:

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. These 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.

The Chief of Staff (COS) reports directly to the President of Rice University, serving as the President’s primary support and supervising staff within the Office of the President. The COS must bring a strong understanding and appreciation for Rice’s distinctive residential college system and liberal arts foundation, while navigating the complexity of a top‑tier research university. Operating with the highest levels of discretion, integrity, and judgment, the COS will manage sensitive issues in a dynamic environment.

As a trusted advisor and strategic partner, the COS plays a critical role in shaping and advancing Rice’s strategic plan, Momentous:
Personalized Scale for Global Impact. The COS is instrumental in facilitating the President’s agenda by coordinating key initiatives, ensuring alignment across the university, and driving progress on institutional priorities. The role requires superb communication skills and the ability to serve as a key liaison between the President and a wide range of stakeholders—including trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni, government officials, industry leaders, and community leaders—ensuring the President’s vision is conveyed effectively, and organizational alignment is maintained.

The COS will also focus on strengthening organizational efficiency, enhancing communication, managing crises, and ensuring the successful execution of Rice’s strategic priorities. In addition, the COS will lead and manage staff within the Office of the President to support long‑term goals and ensure seamless daily operations.

This role is classified as an Essential Remote Position. During declared emergencies or crisis events, the incumbent is required to continue duties remotely to ensure business continuity. Employees in this role must remain accessible to leadership, support critical departmental functions, and maintain operations until normal on‑site activities resume.

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

• Strategic Leadership and Institutional Alignment:
  Partner with the President and cabinet to drive university‑wide priorities, anticipate challenges, and coordinate cross‑divisional initiatives. Ensure that the president’s vision is translated into actionable plans and pursued systematically across the institution.
• Presidential Liaison and Representation:
  Serve as the president’s liaison with senior leadership and represent the president at meetings and external events. The COS collects input and information and provides post‑event briefings and summaries to the president.
• Board of Trustees Engagement:
  Act as an advisor and liaison to the board of trustees, preparing executive‑level…