Executive Director of PSM Program

Special Instructions to Applicants:

All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice's culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary:

The Wiess School of Natural Sciences at Rice University seeks an Executive Director for the Professional Science Master's (PSM) Program, a dynamic leadership position at the crossroads of science, education, innovation, and industry engagement. Reporting jointly to the Faculty Director of the PSM Program and the Dean of the Wiess School of Natural Sciences, the Executive Director will be a member of the Dean's leadership team. They will provide strategic and operational leadership to strengthen and expand one of Rice's most interdisciplinary and industry-connected graduate programs.

This position offers the opportunity to shape the future of professional science education at a world-class research university located in a global hub for energy, healthcare, and technology innovation. The Executive Director leads the PSM program's administrative, business, and marketing operations, drives strategic enrollment growth, and forges partnerships across academia, industry, government, and nonprofit sectors to expand opportunities for students and alumni. Working closely with faculty leadership, the Executive Director helps align program offerings with emerging workforce needs, supports curricular innovation, and ensures a transformative educational experience that integrates scientific expertise with professional development.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate will bring vision, creativity, and a passion for connecting science education to real-world impact. This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic, relationship-driven professional to enhance the reach and reputation of Rice's Professional Science Master's programs, fostering connections that empower students, strengthen industry ties, and advance the mission of the Wiess School of Natural Sciences.

Workplace Requirements:

This position is primarily on-site, requiring that all core duties be performed in person at Rice University. The Executive Director may also be expected to travel outside of Rice University, including occasional evening and weekend commitments, to represent the program at outreach, recruitment, and partnership events. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: Starting at $100,000, with the hiring salary commensurate with experience. *Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree
• 4+ years of experience in program management in higher education or in science-, technology-, or engineering-driven fields or government sectors

Skills:

• Ability to develop complex and/or multiple program partnerships and funding sources
• Ability to manage personnel and budgets, and develop financial plans
• Ability to develop and initiate new recruitment and marketing strategies
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong data analysis skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet deadlines and schedules
• Skilled in problem-solving, creating contingency plans, and handling issues that require balancing competing demands

Preferences:

• Experience in a field related to one or more of the Natural Sciences, or Professional Science Master's degree program. These programs include Applied Chemical Sciences, Bioscience and Health Policy, Energy Geosciences, Environmental Analysis, Energy Transition and Sustainability, or Space Studies
• Master's or doctoral degree
• Experience developing academic-industrial partnerships
• Experience managing academic degree programs

Essential Functions:

• Provide strategic leadership for the Professional Science Master's (PSM) Program, collaborating with the Dean of Natural Sciences, Faculty Director, Department Chairs, and Directors of Graduate Studies of individual Master's degrees to develop and implement the program's vision and goals
• Lead and manage the program's administrative, business, and financial operations, including admissions, enrollment, budgeting, reporting, and compliance
• Design and implement marketing and recruitment strategies to increase enrollment, strengthen program visibility, and build domestic and international partnerships
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with industry, government, and NGO partners to expand professional networks, internship opportunities, and corporate sponsorships, and to align program offerings with workforce needs
• Oversee assessment processes, including evaluating student outcomes, internship experiences, and course performance, and using data to inform continuous improvement
• Develop and coordinate initiatives that enhance student professional development, leadership, and communication skills
• Build and strengthen community among master's students through engagement programs and events that promote inclusion and belonging
• Foster alumni engagement by supporting the PSM Alumni Board, cultivating alumni mentors, and facilitating alumni networking and career development opportunities
• Represent the PSM Program across campus and externally by participating in committees, attending university and professional events, and engaging with national organizations such as the NPSMA
• Collaborate with the Center for Career Development to design and implement workshops and placement initiatives that support student success
• Lead program planning and evaluation, identifying and implementing improvements to ensure mission alignment and operational effectiveness
• Oversee outreach, communications, partnership development, and fundraising efforts to support program sustainability and growth
• May teach a course, seminar, or workshop, and supervise a small staff (up to three full-time employees)
• Perform other duties as assigned

Rice University HR | Benefits:

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University's Disability Resource Center at or for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.