Posting Details

Job TitleDepartment AdministratorDepartmentSociologyFull Time/Part TimeFull-TimeRequisition NumberS21081Open Date08/31/2020Close Date09/21/2020Salary Information

Salary Commensurate with Experience and Qualifications

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
occasional evenings and weekends for special events.

Benefits EligibleYesEligible for OvertimeNoPosition Summary

The vision of the Department of Sociology at Rice University is to advance knowledge of social processes and patterns, mentor a diverse set of scholars and students, and teach the state of the art in the field, engaging in service to the university, the discipline, and the larger community. In particular, members of our department primarily focus on the causes and consequences of social inequality and the patterns and processes of culture. Sociology at Rice takes pride in the research and teaching reputation of the department. Many faculty have won major research and teaching awards, consistently securing research grants from major government and private foundations, as well as publishing in top sociological journals.

The department administrator manages administrative and operations functions for the Department of Sociology, primarily in the areas of financial management, compliance, and human resources. S/he prepares and monitors budgets, provides budgetary control, analysis, and reporting. The department administrator also provides short and long range planning and forecasting, guidance to faculty on administrative operations and university policies, and supervises department staff and student workers.

The ideal candidate has work experience at Rice or experience at any higher education institution.

Education RequiredBachelor's DegreeMajor/DisciplineSubstitution for Education RequirementMay substitute additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis in lieu of the education requirement.Education PreferredExperience Required7 yearsType of Experience

- Related administrative experience
- Related budgeting and fiscal management experience

Substitution for Experience RequirementEducation may not be substituted for the experience requirement.Experience Preferred

- Experience working at Rice or experience in any higher education environment strongly desired
- Experience with Rice’s Banner enterprise system

License/Certification Required

None

License/Certification PreferredSkills Required

- Expert knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database software programs to either complete work assignments or direct the completion of work assignments
- Excellent data reporting skills
- Advanced verbal and written communication skills
- Advanced problem solving and critical thinking skills
- Ability to work independently or supervise others ensuring the timely completion of work
- Resource management skills
- Project management skills

Skills PreferredInternal / External Contacts

Internal: Daily contact with faculty, staff, and students in the Department of Sociology; frequent contact with staff in the Dean of Social Sciences Office, all departments in the Controller’s Office, the Office of Sponsored Research, Research Accounting, Research and Graduate Studies, Registrar, Human Resources; occasional contact with the President’s Office, the Provost’s Office, the Development Office, and other administrative offices on campus

External: Contact with industry recruiters and donors, members of visiting committees to the department, vendors, alumni, prospective students, and various visitors to the department

Physical Demands

Requires working at a computer for extended periods of time (up to eight hours per day).

Working Conditions

- 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday
- Occasional after-hours and/or weekends for special events

Essential Personnel

Position is not considered essential during a campus emergency.

Rice University Standard of Civility

Serves as a representative of the University, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration and discretion in all interactions with other members of the Rice community and with the public.

Security Sensitive

As defined under the Texas Education Code and Rice Policy No. 425, this position is security sensitive and employment in this position is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Attach a writing sample regarding the following situation: Professor Watson was scheduled to meet with one of his graduate students, David Jones, at 3 p.m. on Monday, September 10th. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the professor has to reschedule this meeting for a later date and has asked you to handle the logistics. Compose a short email to the student notifying him of the situation and inquiring about his availability for an alternative meeting date.

Quick Link for Postinghttp://jobs.rice.edu/postings/24467Essential Functions

- Responsible for the management of all departmental staff involved in administrative operations and support to faculty, students and programs
- Manages the development, implementation, administration and evaluation of departmental operations, including, but not limited to: research administration, budget / finance, program administration, human resources, communications / outreach, and compliance
- Monitors trends and establishes goals for the department
- Provides guidance on the interpretation, implementation and compliance with policies and regulations
- Recommends actions to ensure compliance
- Represents the department or function at the school level
- Serves a primary role in the development & implementation of the annual budget
- Participates in short term budget planning and supports long term budget planning
- Manages budget monitoring, expenditure review and approval, processing payments, conducting analyses, creating forecasts and identifying trends
- Oversees the maintenance of financial records
- Creates, manages and implements outreach plans that may include relationship development, communications, and event management
- Manages the human resources function for the department for staff; administers the visa process for international faculty, staff and students; coordinates faculty searches and the promotion and tenure process
- Manages graduate and / or undergraduate program administration, including student records, curriculum support, course scheduling, general announcements, coordinates the accreditation process, manages scholarships and fellowships, advises students and monitors their progress
- Supervises support to faculty and provides guidance on university policies and procedures
- May manage pre- and post-award research administration
- Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions or Information Job Duties

Applicant DocumentsRequired Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume
3. Writing Sample

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have a bachelor's degree or additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis in lieu of the education requirement?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Do you have seven or more years of related administrative experience, as well as related budgeting and fiscal management experience?

   (Open Ended Question)

3. * Please provide the salary or range that you would require or consider for this position.

   (Open Ended Question)