Temporary Events Assistant
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.
About the Baker Institute:
Founded in 1993, Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy is one of the premier nonpartisan public policy research organizations in the country. As an integral part of Rice University, the Baker Institute has a strong track record of achievement based on the work of its fellows, scholars, and staff. The institute collaborates with experts from academia, government, media, business, and nongovernmental and private organizations.
Position Summary:
The Events Assistant is a full-time, temporary position responsible for providing logistical support for lectures, seminars, conferences, meetings and other functions hosted or co-hosted by the Baker Institute for Public Policy. Under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Events, the position will help the institute’s events team plan and execute events including managing guest registration, supervising check-in, and coordinating with vendors to create an exceptional event experience for institute guests.
The position will be hired for a term of six months, July through December 2026. This is a full-time benefits-eligible position.
Ideal Candidate Statement:
Ideal candidates should have professional event management experience with a demonstrated ability to work with diverse individuals and personalities with exceptional judgment and discretion.
Workplace Requirements:
This section helps candidates understand the physical and logistical aspects of the job, ensuring they are aware of the environment and conditions they will be working in. Aspects to consider are physical environment, schedule, travel requirements, physical demands, health and safety protocols, dress code, etc.
Workplace Location:
This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person on campus. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.
Hiring Range: $42,500 - $47,500 / year
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree
In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
One year of professional experience planning and implementing events
Skills:
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
Excellent written and verbal communication
Strong time management and organizational skills
Ability to work in a busy environment with deadlines
Dedication to service, professionalism and courtesy
Preferences:
At least one year of event/logistics planning in an academic or non-profit setting as well as prior experience hosting dignitaries or other VIPs is preferred.
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) License
Essential Functions:
As assigned by the Assistant Director of Events, work closely with the event host(s) — including the Baker Institute leadership team, research fellows, program coordinators, or various outside groups — to support the planning and execution of successful events.
Assist the events team in completing various logistical tasks relating to Baker Institute digital and in-person events including online registration, guest check-in, vendor support, budgeting and expense reconciliation.
Follow organizational procedures for various event types — lectures, seminars, conferences, meetings, dinners, reception, distinguished visitors, or staff events — in coordination with both internal and external contacts.
Additional Functions:
Supervise and task event-related student interns assigned to help with Baker Institute events.
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.