Job Description

Job Category: Staff - Academic Services
Degree Level: Master's Degree
:
Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants must attach a cover letter and a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application in a PDF format. Please note that the applicant tracking system does not convert attachments in Word format successfully.
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 Associate Director plays a vital role in advancing the Education Department's mission of preparing students for impactful careers in classroom and campus leadership through degree and certification programs, including the Minor in Teaching, Master of Arts in Teaching, and Alternative Certification teacher/principal certification programs. This position requires a professional who can balance independent initiative with collaborative teamwork. As both a contributor and leader within the Education team, the Associate Director develops and implements initiatives that promote student success, strengthen departmental programs, and expand community impact.
Responsibilities include supporting students through teaching, advising, curriculum development, and professional development programming, as well as contributing to departmental growth by designing new offerings, implementing systems that support enrollment and retention, and leading program assessment and evaluation efforts. The Associate Director also partners with colleagues to strengthen the department's presence within Rice University, local school districts, and the greater Houston community.
The Associate Director collaborates closely with all members of the Education team, serves the Education Leadership team, and reports directly to the Director of the Rice Education Department. Together, this team shares the crucial task of preparing future educators and leaders while building innovative programs that advance both the department's mission and student success.
Ideal Candidate Statement:
Ideal candidates should have extensive skills and experience in administration of credit programs and Texas Education Agency (TEA) EC-12 teacher and/or principal residency. Demonstrated leadership in program management and academic advising experience and skills are also important.
Workplace Requirements:
This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per , work arrangements may be subject to change.
Hiring Range: $78,000 - $80,000 annually
*Exempt (salaried) positions under are not eligible for overtime.
This is a two-year, term-limited position with the possibility of extension based on funding and performance.
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in education or a related field
• Three or more (3+) years of relevant experience in higher education, educator preparation, and/or program administration involving developing and administering university-based credit programs

Skills:

• Ability to develop and initiate new programmatic initiatives and partnerships
• Advanced program management skills
• Strong verbal, written communication, and interpersonal skills
• Capable of working well under pressure and managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and learning management systems
• Strong data analysis skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively independently and within a team
• Expertise in analyzing challenges, developing contingency strategies, and implementing effective solutions.
• Strong client service orientation
• Ability to develop complex or multiple program partnerships and funding sources

Preferences:
Master's, PhD or EdD degree in Education or a related field
Principal Certification
Five or more (5+) years of relevant experience in higher education, educator preparation, and/or program administration involving developing and administering university-based credit programs
Knowledge of Texas public education and educator certification requirements
Minimum of five years teaching experience in an EC-12 or higher education setting
Valid teacher certification
Experience working within an educator preparation program
Demonstrated excellence in teaching
Experience in coaching and supervising teachers
Evidence of successful collaboration and partnership development
Documented evidence of research and scholarly work
Essential Functions:

• Develops, administers, and evaluates department programming for university by conducting research analyzing data, preparing reports, identifying trends, and recommending improvement
• Supports departmental growth and effectiveness by assisting with university and state program assessment and compliance requirements
• Designs and implements systems that support student success, department outreach, cultivation of partnerships and philanthropic investments
• Creates short-term and long-term plans to advance the department's mission and objectives
• Oversees and contributes to recruitment and admissions student success initiatives, and curriculum development,
• Supports and/or directs grant-related activities, including proposal preparation, research, and project execution
• Maintains a teaching course load
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions:
The position contributes to the academic and operational excellence of the program by supporting educational certification programs, curriculum development, student advising, and district partnerships. Responsibilities include program administration, budgeting support, and oversight of marketing and outreach efforts in collaboration with the Marketing Department. The role also maintains strong alumni and community engagement to ensure the continued success and sustainability of the program.
Rice University HR | Benefits:
Rice Mission and Values:
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 contact Rice University's Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or for support.
If you have any additional questions, please email us at . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.

Skills Required