External Affairs Associate, Kinder Institute Urban Research

Position Summary

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research is currently hiring an External Affairs Associate. The External Affairs Associate will work with our Community and Stakeholder Engagement team, which is part of the external affairs division. The External Affairs Associate assists with supporting engagement initiatives, coordinating events and outreach activities, and supporting cross-center collaboration. The role requires good organizational skills, attention to detail, and an interest in community engagement, public affairs, and collaborative work with stakeholders.

The External Affairs Associate is an entry-level position that supports the Kinder Institute’s external affairs and community and stakeholder engagement portfolio. Reporting to the Associate Director of Stakeholder Engagement, the position provides coordination, outreach, and administrative support that strengthens relationships with community organizations, civic partners, and research center directors. This role contributes to initiatives that expand the Kinder Institute’s visibility, enhance stakeholder engagement, and advance ‑community centered‑ impact across the Greater Houston region.

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research aims to improve lives through data, research, engagement, and action. The institute consists of five research centers focused on critical aspects shaping the social and cultural landscape of the Houston area. The five centers research housing, education , community and public health , economic mobility and inequality , and population dynamics . Each center investigates its particular topic area and works across centers to build interdisciplinary teams specializing in solutions-oriented research.

The centers use a research-practice partnership (RPP) model to jointly design, develop, and conduct research that values diversity in expertise and prioritizes the community in identifying and addressing some of the most pressing questions and challenges facing Greater Houston. We strive for our research to inform decision-making and bring about systemic change.

The ideal candidate is a proactive, organized professional with strong communication and customer service skills, experience coordinating events and working with diverse partners, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

• Occasional Travel
• Evening and/or weekend work

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. [3 days in-office/2 days remote]. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the proposed salary range is $57,000 - $60,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

• Bachelor’s degree in communication, public affairs, sociology, urban studies, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on a year-for-year basis, may be substituted
• One or more (1+) years of related experience

• Demonstrated interest in community engagement, public service, or civic partnerships
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare marketing collateral and presentations. Expertise with Adobe Creative Suite
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, coordinate logistics, and maintain organized records.
• Comfort working with different communities and stakeholders
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and collaborative project tools; familiarity with CRM or stakeholder tracking systems is a plus; and expertise‑ with Adobe Creative Suite
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast paced, ‑mission driven‑ environment

• Experience in community outreach, volunteer coordination, or public facing‑ program support
• Familiarity with Houston’s civic landscape, community organizations, and local engagement networks
• Interest in research, public policy, or data informed‑ decisions

• Communi…