External Affairs Associate, Kinder Institute for Urban Research

Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research is hiring an External Affairs Associate to join the Community and Stakeholder Engagement team within the external affairs division.

About the role

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 role provides coordination, outreach, and administrative support to strengthen 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 housing, education, community and public health, economic mobility and inequality, and population dynamics. Each center uses a research-practice partnership (RPP) model to jointly design, develop, and conduct research that values diversity in expertise and prioritizes the community in addressing pressing challenges facing Greater Houston.

Responsibilities

• Assist with outreach to community organizations, civic groups, and partner institutions; help maintain stakeholder lists, engagement calendars, and activity records.
• Support planning, logistics, and onsite coordination for community meetings, stakeholder forums, workshops, and public-facing events.
• Assist in vendor management on specific projects.
• Coordinate with research center teams to align engagement activities with ongoing projects and community priorities.
• Provide scheduling, create and design presentations, and operational support for external affairs.
• Recommend marketing opportunities and track market trends.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 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.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Preferences

• 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.

Workplace Requirements

• Occasional travel.
• Evening and/or weekend work.

Schedule

This is a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work (3 days in-office/2 days remote). Per Rice policy, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Pay

This is a full-time, exempt (salaried) position with a proposed salary range of $57,000 - $60,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.

Benefits

This is a benefits-eligible position. For details, visit Rice University HR | Benefits.