Operations Manager

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a cover letter and résumé in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in PDF format to avoid any formatting issues. This is an in-person position.

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 that 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. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They are reflected 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: Reporting to the Executive Director of Operations, the Operations Manager for the Anderson-Clarke Center coordinates day-to-day building operations, front-desk services, and classroom audiovisual support across ACC classrooms, the Commons, and the auditorium. The role assigns rooms for all Glasscock courses and programs year-round; oversees operations staff and student employees (scheduling, task assignment, coaching); and serves as the primary contact for ACC service, custodial, and facility requests.

The manager monitors building conditions and maintenance needs, submitting and tracking work orders with Rice Facilities to resolution. They ensure all learning spaces are operational each day, perform first-line AV triage and user support, and partner with Rice OIT to resolve complex issues. As a backup to the Events Coordinator, this position supports planning and on-site execution of ACC events to deliver a consistent, customer-focused experience for students, instructors, and guests.

Ideal Candidate Statement: The ideal candidate is a project-management-minded, tech-savvy facilities professional who thrives in a public-facing academic building. They bring hands-on knowledge of classroom AV and can triage and troubleshoot minor tech/AV issues, supervise staff and student employees with clear direction and coaching, and expertly use scheduling systems to assign rooms and manage work orders. Organized and critically minded, they track details, follow through, and communicate clearly and professionally with customers and colleagues, all while keeping a big-picture plan in view. They are budget-aware—able to collaborate on needs, quotes, and cost-conscious decisions, without serving as the budget owner. Proactive and customer-focused, they escalate issues appropriately, close the loop with stakeholders, and respond quickly to building and classroom needs, including occasional evening calls and some Saturday work. A collaborative problem solver who ensures smooth daily operations and a consistent, high-quality experience across the Anderson-Clarke Center. Able to move furniture or set up classrooms for events and classes.

Workplace Requirements: On-campus position: This position is exclusively on-site at the Anderson-Clarke Center. A flexible work schedule is required, which includes evenings and weekends. Work occurs in a public-facing academic building and involves frequent walking and standing between classrooms and event spaces, room setups (moving and positioning furniture and AV carts), and monitoring building conditions to initiate work orders; occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: Minimum $63,731 annually

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

Minimum Requirements:

Associate degree

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

3+ years of experience in academic facility management and classroom scheduling systems

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

Skills:

Supervises, leads, and manages teams and projects; strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent leadership, decision-making, and judgment skills

Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills

Solid knowledge of facility management

Exhibits proactive behaviors and leads by example

Ability to interact and collaborate with individuals at all levels across campus

Excellent interpersonal skills, including diplomacy, patience, and tact

Attention to detail, along with the ability to understand broader implications

Moderate repair knowledge and proper use of associated tools and equipment

Moderate knowledge of audio/video systems

Ability to coordinate and manage multiple projects with competing priorities, meet deadlines, and manage project plans with short- and long-term end dates

Working knowledge of applications such as Excel, Word, and project management tools

Preferences:

Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience in managing academic or public-facing facilities

Knowledge of AV systems and basic computer/software troubleshooting

Advanced knowledge of room reservation systems

Knowledge of registration systems

Essential Functions:

Manages and oversees building maintenance

Receives, processes, coordinates, tracks, and reviews the completion of service and maintenance requests

Ensures work is performed in a timely, accurate, and complete manner

Supervises the work of assigned employees and conducts performance reviews

Supervises events as needed

Monitors assigned budgets and invoices

Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions:

Organizes, manages, and completes special projects as assigned by the Executive Director of Operations

Helps implement policies and procedures related to building operations

Reviews and guides operations staff on maintaining classroom technology and staff computer inventory

Assesses training needs and may develop associated training, including providing end-users with technical guidance or direct support

Oversees all aspects of both internal Rice events and external events, including space, setups, and equipment rentals

Establishes pricing for internal and external rentals in collaboration with the Executive Director of Operations

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

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@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.