Student Engagement Specialist

About the Role

Reporting to the Assistant Dean for Student Programs, the Student Engagement Specialist supports the extracurricular and co-curricular activities of the School of Social Sciences Moody Gateway Program for Undergraduates. The role demands flexibility, an excellent work ethic, and attention to detail to manage a wide range of responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversees professional practica and externships, summer fellowship program, annual undergraduate research showcase, OwlConnect alumni networking events, and Gateway research travel grant requests.
• Supervises undergraduate student ambassadors.
• Serves as back-up to the Office Manager, assisting with welcoming guests to the Dean’s Suite.
• Administers program operations, ensuring efficient and productive workflows.
• Creates and implements plans to achieve program objectives and mission.
• Interprets, implements, and ensures compliance with policies and regulations; recommends procedural changes.
• Develops outreach plans, including relationship development, communications, events, and conference management.
• Supports relationship-building with internal and external entities.
• Analyzes data, identifies trends, and develops reports to align programs with institutional goals.
• Manages budget plans, monitors expenditures, and maintains financial records.
• Manages all aspects of the Social Sciences Moody Gateway Program, including practica, externships, summer fellowships, research conferences, travel grants, and networking events.
• Represents the Gateway program at campus events for current and prospective students.
• Collaborates with campus partners such as the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Office of First Year Programs, OISS, and Center for Career Development.
• Works with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions on prospective student presentations and events.
• Oversees Student Ambassadors for coordination with Admissions and Gateway events.
• Coordinates student-oriented communications and marketing materials for school listservs.
• Develops, maintains, and improves administrative processes, documentation, and tracking tools.
• Tracks program data, prepares reports, and supports financial and program planning.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a confident, service-oriented administrative leader who brings structure, follow-through, and sound judgment to a complex program environment. They are comfortable working independently and in a team, communicating proactively, and building strong relationships with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and industry professionals. Strong planning, organizational skills, and flexibility are essential, along with the ability to anticipate needs and navigate challenges with creativity. Exceptional communication skills are required, including tailoring messages to varied audiences and synthesizing complex information into clear narratives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• 2+ years of related program experience in higher education student programs, career services, academic advising, experiential learning, or related fields.

Skills

• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to make presentations to students and stakeholders.
• Strong customer service orientation and ability to build rapport with diverse student populations.
• Ability to develop and initiate new strategies for student and employer engagement.
• Adept at problem-solving, creating contingency plans, and handling issues as needed.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet deadlines.
• Advanced competency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and G-suite.
• Knowledge of project management software tools such as Asana and Monday.com (preferred).

Preferences

• 3+ years of related program experience in higher education.
• Experience developing and implementing student-centered programs and services.
• Experience working with students pursuing social sciences and liberal arts degrees.
• Experience monitoring and evaluating program success.
• Experience working on a team to create, implement, or deliver projects or programming.

Schedule

Following the probationary period, this is a hybrid role combining in-office and remote work 1-2 days per week. Occasional weekend and/or evening work may be required for special events. Work arrangements may be subject to change per Rice policy.

Physical Demands

• Requires working at a computer for extended periods (up to eight hours per day).
• Must be able to move event-related materials to and from event sites.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to ten pounds.

Pay

Hiring range: $60,000 to $65,000.