Housekeeper, Wiess President’s House

Rice University is seeking a detail-oriented, discreet, and professional Housekeeper to maintain the cleanliness, organization, and overall presentation of the President’s official residence. This role ensures the home reflects the highest standards of care, supporting both the private living environment of the President and his family, and the professional use of the residence for hosting events, receptions, and guests of the University.

About the role

This position takes place in a large private residence that also functions as a professional hosting space. The ideal candidate is experienced in high-standard residential housekeeping, including care of fine furnishings, delicate surfaces, and event support. Flexibility and reliability are essential, as the position occasionally requires adjusting to special functions, visitors, and irregular schedules. The candidate should demonstrate excellent judgment, confidentiality, and the ability to anticipate needs with minimal direction.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and clean all rooms, furnishings, fixtures, and surfaces with attention to detail and preservation of materials.
• Perform laundry services, including care of fine linens and garments.
• Support household organization, inventory, and supply management.
• Assist with event preparation, setup, and cleanup as needed.
• Adhere to high standards of discretion and confidentiality given the visibility of the residence.
• Work evenings or weekends as necessitated by the President’s House schedule.
• Assist catering staff or external vendors during special events.
• Support seasonal décor, floral arrangements, or holiday preparations.
• Assist with minor household organization projects (e.g., closets, pantries, storage areas).
• Manage inventory and report maintenance issues to the appropriate staff.
• Participate in occasional household meetings or training sessions.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Four or more years of related work experience.
• Extensive knowledge and skills regarding residential cleaning and the use of cleaning products.
• Ability and high commitment to keeping things clean and organized.
• Ability to organize workdays efficiently; takes initiative and is self-motivated.
• Demonstrates a high energy level and the ability to maintain a busy schedule under general supervision.
• Desire and willingness to promote a welcoming, friendly, and respectful environment for family and guests.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to take direction, improve performance, and cooperate with other House Staff.
• Extraordinary ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality of all activities of the President and the President’s family.
• Physical ability to perform housekeeping tasks, including lifting (up to 25–30 lbs), bending, and extended periods of standing or walking.
• Comfortable working in both private household and event settings.
• Compliance with safety procedures, cleaning product handling, and household security standards.

Preferences

• Prior experience in estate management, executive residences, or luxury hotels.
• Training or certification in hospitality, housekeeping, or a related field.
• Experience supporting events, including setup and guest service.
• Familiarity with effective cleaning products and practices.

Schedule

• Standard workdays: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with shift arrival/departure times as requested by President and Mrs. DesRoches.
• Flexibility required to accommodate evening, weekend, or holiday events.
• Occasional overtime may be necessary during periods of high activity.

Pay

This is a part-time, benefits-eligible position with a hiring rate of $24.00-$26.00 per hour, contingent on experience and qualifications. Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Workplace Details

• On-site position exclusively; all duties performed in-person at the Wiess President’s House.
• Neat, professional appearance required; uniform provided.
• Essential position requiring on-site presence to carry out vital functions.