Houston,TX,USA-based Airline at Southwest | Hiring

Rice University, located on a sprawling 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, stands as one of the nation’s elite institutions of higher education. Recognized among the top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report, Rice prides itself on its outstanding academic environment characterized by a notably low 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio. This ratio fosters a highly personalized and engaging learning experience, where students benefit from close, supportive relationships with their professors and peers. Rice’s distinctive residential college system is at the heart of campus life, nurturing students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through a variety of activities including social events, intramural sports, theatrical productions, lecture series, and student governance. The university’s commitment to developing close-knit and diverse college communities has earned it high rankings for best quality of life and best value among private universities nationwide. Rice University is also celebrated as a great place to work. The faculty, staff, and students share core values that are essential to fostering a healthy, welcoming community. These values are encapsulated in the name RICE, which stands for Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence. These guiding principles shape the university’s culture, reflecting in daily interactions, decisions, and the warm welcome extended to visitors and members of the Rice community alike. The Events Specialist role at Rice University plays a vital role within the Public Affairs division, operating under the supervision of the director of special events. This position is responsible for the comprehensive planning and execution of a diverse portfolio of events, which may include presidential functions, development fundraising efforts, student and community gatherings, and other important occasions where special event etiquette and protocol are paramount. The role demands a sophisticated understanding of event planning best practices, participant engagement, and the ability to translate strategic goals into memorable, seamless, and elevated event experiences. The Events Specialist collaborates closely with various campus stakeholders to design customized event strategies and manage the logistics required for successful event execution. Cultivating and maintaining vendor relationships both on and off campus is a critical aspect of the job, ensuring that all elements of an event—from catering and transportation to venue setup and technology needs—are expertly coordinated. The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment, demonstrating exceptional multitasking abilities and attention to detail. Successful candidates will possess strong verbal and written communication skills, an in-depth familiarity with special event etiquette, and a sharp diplomatic acumen to manage the varying needs and expectations of diverse audiences, including donors, board members, university leadership, community leaders, and internal teams. In addition to event oversight, this position is hybrid, offering a balance of in-office presence and remote work to support flexibility and collaboration, adaptable per university policy. Salary for this role is commensurate with experience, reflecting the high level of responsibility and specialized skills required. As an Events Specialist at Rice University, individuals have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to one of the nation’s most respected universities, supporting its mission and values through impactful and impeccably managed events that help build community and promote the university’s goals and reputation.

• Bachelor’s degree
• two or more years professional experience with events management including planning and execution
• valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment with no more than three moving violations within the past 36 months and no convictions or deferred dispositions for Driving While Intoxicated or Driving Under the Influence within the past five years
• ability to manage complex timelines and multiple projects
• ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• advanced communication and customer service skills
• excellent time management skills, well-organized and detail oriented
• ability to interact professionally with all levels of internal and external constituents
• familiarity with event etiquette and protocol
• demonstrated ability to cultivate partnerships
• demonstrated high level of confidence in making decisions, good judgment, and innovative and creative problem-solving skills
• advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and other online documents
• must have access to transportation